Systematic Framework to Classify the Status of Research on Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Activity

ObjectivesTo systematically classify the physical activity research for individuals with a spinal cord injury by using the behavioral epidemiologic framework; and to identify where the physical activity research for individuals with a spinal cord injury has focused between 2000 and 2012.DesignRelevant research was identified and then categorized into 1 of 5 phases by following the coding rules of the behavioral epidemiology framework. Phase 1 studies link physical activity and health outcomes, phase 2 studies validate or develop measures of physical activity, phase 3 studies identify factors that influence behavior or examine explanatory theories of behavior, phase 4 studies evaluate interventions, and phase 5 studies disseminate health promotion programs or policies and translate research into practice.SettingSpecific keywords were identified and then searched through EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Google Scholar.ParticipantsNot applicable.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresNot applicable.ResultsOne hundred and thirteen articles met the criteria. Of the articles, 55% were categorized as phase 1, 12% as phase 2, 24% as phase 3, 5% as phase 4, and 4% as phase 5.ConclusionsMost studies were categorized as phase 1, 2, or 3, which implies that this field is still in the early stages of development and research should focus on intervention development and dissemination.