Perceived Exercise Barriers and Odds of Exercise Participation Among Persons With SCI Living in High-Income Households

Objective: To define the prevalence of and the degree to which exercise barriers decrease odds of exercise participation among persons with SCI reporting annual household income greater than $50,000. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 180 individuals completed a Web survey of personal characteristics and exercise barriers. Over half (n=89) reported annual household incomes greater than $50,000. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U identified personal characteristic differences between exercisers and nonexercisers. Odds ratios (OR) determined barriers that decreased odds of exercise participation. Significance was set at α < 0.05. Results: Eighty-seven percent of respondents were currently exercising (n=61). No differences discriminated exercisers and nonexercisers by gender, age, race, age at injury, injury level or completeness, education level, and total comorbidities or medications. A higher percentage of exercisers were full-time employed or married. Nonexercisers reported more barriers (4.9 ± 2.4 vs 2.21 ± 1.8). Only one barrier was highly prevalent and impactful (lack of motivation). The most impactful barrier, “too lazy to exercise,” was the 9th most prevalent barrier (14%). Persons reporting this as a barrier were 19 times less likely to be exercising. Conclusion: Among high-income households, highly prevalent barriers may not decrease odds of exercise participation. Knowledge and psychological barriers had the greatest impact on odds of exercise participation.