<p>The purpose of this dissertation was to use an integrative theoretical framework to examine the individual and environmental factors associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for persons living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Using a systematic approach, three studies were conducted to: (1) survey the accessibility and availability of physical activity facilities for Canadians living with mobility disabilities, (2) test an
integrative, theoretical framework for understanding LTPA among people with SCI, and (3) implement a theory-based intervention that focuses on helping beginner exercisers living with SCI cope with salient individual and environmental LTPA barriers. </p>
<p>Study 1 involved two sub-studies. Study lA used a modified version of the
AIMFREE instrument (Rimmer et al., 2004) and provided evidence of the limited accessibility of fitness and recreational facilities (n=44) for persons with mobility disabilities. Study lB applied a geographical technique, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to develop an objective proximity measure specific to persons with SCI. Results indicated a small, negative association between the objective presence of physical activity facilities and L TPA in a sample of persons with SCI (n=50), suggesting that living in close proximity to a facility which provides adaptive programming and equipment does not necessarily translate into greater LTPA for persons with SCI.</p>
<p>As an extension of Study 1, Study 2 used structural equation modeling to conduct a cross-sectional examination of whether an environmental factor --neighbourhood perceptions--could enhance the Theory of Planned ehaviour's (TPB; Ajzen, 1985) ability to explain LTPA intentions and behaviour in persons with SCI (n=246). Results indicated a small, negative association between perceived wheeling infrastructure and LTPA intentions. However, perceptions of neighbourhood aesthetics and wheeling infrastructure did not explain significant variance in either L TPA intentions or behaviour, beyond that accounted for by the TPB constructs, suggesting that these eighbourhood
factors do not enhance the TPB's ability to explain LTPA behaviour.</p>
<p>Lastly, Study 3 used a randomized, controlled design to examine the effects of a 10-week action and coping planning intervention on enhancing LTPA and coping self efficacy in exercise intenders living with SCI (n=47). Results indicated greater LTPA for participants who formed action plans and coping plans (A+C condition) than for the participants who only formed action plans (A condition). Furthermore, the A+C condition
had greater confidence to schedule their L TPA and overcome L TPA-related barriers than
the A condition. These findings provide evidence of the benefits of supplementing action plans with coping plans for enhancing L TP A and coping self-efficacy beliefs among exercise intenders living with SCI. </p>
<p>Together, these three studies provide a broader understanding of L TPA correlates and determinants in people with SCI, and provide evidence of the efficacy of multiple planning strategics for promoting L TPA in persons with SCI. The results provide an impetus for extending the scope of the research on the physical environment and LTPA towards persons with mobility disabilities. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the value of theory-based research for identifying the multidimensional correlates and determinants
of LTPA, and for designing effective LTPA-enhancing interventions in persons with SCI. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/16813 |
| Date | 16 March 2015 |
| Creators | ARBOUR, KELLY PATRICIA ANN |
| Contributors | Martin Ginis, Kathleen A., None |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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