| People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are more susceptible to many preventable secondary conditions that negatively impact their health and well-being. Increasing their physical activity and exercise (PAE) can reduce secondary conditions and health promotion approaches are needed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a widely known model of health promotion, Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM), in its ability to predict PAE participation for adults with SCI. 126 adults with SCI completed an online survey. A hierarchical regression analysis was used and commitment to a plan for PAE was found to be the strongest predictor in the model (r = .48, beta = .41). Pre-injury activity level and severity of SCI were also strong predictors. The HPM accounted for about 41% of the variance in PAE, F (9, 116) = 8.95, p < .001. A secondary analysis evaluated the model as a predictor of commitment to a plan for PAE. Friend and family support (beta = .51), perceived self-efficacy (beta = .34), and perceived benefits (beta = .18) for PAE were found to be significant predictors of commitment to a plan of action for PAE in persons with SCI. In this case, the model accounted for 42% of the variance in commitment to a plan for PAE, F (8, 117) = 10.72, p < .001. Additionally, PAE was found to mediate the inverse relationship between severity of SCI and health-related quality of life, as well as the relationship between severity of SCI and secondary health conditions. These results indicate that commitment to a plan for PAE, as well as interpersonal support, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived benefits are important target variables for health promotion efforts for people with SCI. Clinical interventions focused on enhancing perceived self-efficacy and benefits related to PAE are likely to increase commitment to a plan for, and subsequent engagement in, PAE for people with SCI. |
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