The role of physical exercise as a stress-coping resource for persons with functionally incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

A spinal cord injury (SCI) changes a person’s life in many ways. Physical exercise has traditionally been used in SCI-rehabilitation to maximise the possibilities for a better life by increasing physical capacity, physical function and psychological well-being. In general, research supports that physical exercise is associated with improved physical fitness, health and psychological well-being in persons with SCI. Even so, the level of physical activity is still low in this population, and there is limited knowledge regarding benefits from physical exercise particularly in persons with functionally incomplete SCI. The main aim of this dissertation was to examine the role of physical exercise on positive and negative health outcomes for persons with incomplete SCI. Using the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) as a framework, the objectives were to investigate how self-perceptions of exercise and coping with disability-stress influenced the association between stress caused by disability and the health outcome.

Paper I: Tatt ut av filen i Brage p.g.a. copyright-restriksjoner. / Not in the file in Brage because of copyright issues.

Paper II: Tatt ut av filen i Brage p.g.a. copyright-restriksjoner. / Not in the file in Brage because of copyright issues.

Paper III: Lannem, A. M., & Sørensen, M. The role of physical exercise, perceived exercise mastery, and stress in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Submitted to Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Paper IV: Lannem, A.M. Physical exercise, stress, coping, burnout and fatigue in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Accepted with minor revisions, October 9th 2011, European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity.