Physical Activity Inventory for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To test the reliability and validity of a physical activity instrument adapted for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), the Physical Activity Instrument-SCI (PAI-SCI). METHODS: Eligible participants completed the adapted PAI-SCI questionnaire at baseline and 1 week later. At baseline, they were also given an Actical accelerometer to wear on their wrist for 1 week. RESULTS: Forty-three male subjects completed the study. There was a moderate relationship between total score on the PAI-SCI and total activity count determined by accelerometry (r = 0.42, P = 0.036). The PAI-SCI was able to differentiate between people with upper and lower level injuries (P = 0.05). Test-retest reliability was supported for the exercise and the general activity/self care subscales and not supported for the light household or the outdoor/gardening subscales. CONCLUSION: The PAI-SCI was able to distinguish between physical activity amongst those with upper level and lower level injuries. More research is needed before the PAI-SCI can be recommended for use in clinical trials.