Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the International Scientific Exercise Guidelines on illness perception in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods. Sixteen patients with chronic SCI (AIS B/C/D, NLI at T1 or lower) were randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received exercise interventions based on the International Scientific Exercise Guidelines for 12 weeks,  including 20 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular fitness exercises twice a week, followed by three sets of shoulder muscle strengthening exercises at home twice a week. The control group received no specific intervention and continued with their usual daily activities, but were allowed to perform exercises other than those outlined in the guidelines. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire  (B-IPQ) score was analyzed before and after the intervention.

Results. A significant improvement in the B-IPQ score was observed in the treatment group (p = 0.028) after the intervention. The difference (Δ) in B-IPQ scores between the two groups was also significant (p = 0.008).

Conclusion. A 12-week exercise program based on the International Scientific Exercise Guidelines can improve illness perception in patients with chronic SCI (AIS B/C/D, NLI T1 or lower).

Key words

spinal cord, spinal cord injury, exercise, international scientific exercise guidelines, brief illness perception questionnaire