Acceptability, Safety and Feasibility of a Sedentary Behaviour Intervention (REACH-SCI) in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Mixed-Methods Study
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Purpose
Individuals with paraplegia often have high levels of sedentary behaviour, which increases cardiovascular disease risk. This study assessed the acceptability, safety and feasibility of a sedentary behaviour intervention (REACH-SCI) in individuals with paraplegia.
Materials and methods
A pre-post feasibility study was conducted in wheelchair-users with paraplegia (n=18) to evaluate an 8-week intervention comprised of a wearable activity tracker, educational booklet, goal setting, motivational support sessions, peer support and activity tools (Trial registration: NCT06957483 ). Acceptability was assessed via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, safety via adverse events, pain and fatigue, and intervention feasibility via components being delivered as intended. Intervention engagement and preliminary efficacy were also assessed.
Results
The intervention and study procedures were acceptable and safe, intervention components were delivered as planned, and the study was feasible in terms of participant recruitment, retention and data completion rates. Engagement with intervention components was generally high, except for peer support. The intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy for improving sedentary behaviour, physical activity, cardiovascular disease biomarkers and psychosocial outcomes.
Conclusions
An intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in individuals with paraplegia was acceptable, safe and feasible. The effectiveness of REACH-SCI should be evaluated in a definitive trial to inform clinical care and public health guidelines.
