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Objective(s)
To synthesize qualitative studies exploring the experiences of individuals with spinal
cord injury (SCI) participating in sport, in relation to physical, psychological,
and social health.
Data Sources
APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Medline, and PubMed. No language or date limits
were applied.
Study Selection
Four researchers were involved in title and abstract screening to identify articles
of interest. Two researchers then independently reviewed full texts to identify articles
for inclusion. Conflicts were resolved through discussion. Studies were selected if
they: a) studied individuals aged 16 or older who were at least one year post SCI;
b) explored physical, psychological, and/or social health outcomes resulting from
at least three months of sport participation; c) focused on community sports programs;
and d) used qualitative or mixed methods.
Data Extraction
Fourteen studies were included: the 13 qualitative studies comprised of phenomenology
(n=6), qualitative description (n=5), narrative research (n=1), and a case study (n=1),
and the one mixed methods study was of sequential explanatory design. Data extracted
included study objective(s), participant sex, age and injury, sport details, and themes.
Critical appraisal involved utilizing the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Data Synthesis
The overarching theme that emerged from this thematic synthesis was that sport facilitates
the gradual progression to living an enriching life after SCI. Following injury, individuals
experienced significant disturbance to function and identity. This disturbance was
alleviated by the presence of a positive mindset and social support. Factors facilitating
the initiation of sport included family and pre-injury sport participation. Limiting
factors involved dealing with mental health challenges after SCI and receiving negative
messages from medical professionals. The reported benefits of sport were extensive;
for example, participants experienced improvements in fitness, strength, independence,
confidence, self-acceptance, and sense of community. Challenges of sport participation
included the logistics of travelling and managing finances. Sport also helped reshape
views of SCI, such as breaking stereotypes and teaching others.
Conclusions
Sport plays an important role in helping individuals live an enriching life after
SCI.
Author(s) Disclosures
None reported.
Keywords
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
