None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) often face barriers to being physically active in the community, which can negatively affect their health and quality of life. This study aims to test a program called T3-SCI (Train the Trainers – Spinal Cord Injury), which trains exercise professionals to safely and confidently support people with SCI to exercise in local gyms. The main purpose of this study is to find out whether the T3-SCI program can be delivered effectively in real-world community fitness centres and whether it helps people with SCI become more physically active compared with usual care. We hypothesise that people with SCI who take part in the T3-SCI program will increase their physical activity levels and experience better health and well-being outcomes than those who do not receive the program, and that the program will be acceptable, feasible, and delivered with good quality by trained exercise professionals.
Interventions
The Train-The-Trainer Spinal Cord Injuries (T3-SCI) intervention is a multi-component program consisting of (1) training of exercise professionals and (2) delivery of an individualised, supervised physical activity program for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise professionals complete the T3-SCI training program via the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia online platform, incorporating self-directed modules, mentored case-based assessments, and facility safety checks (estimated completion1
The Train-The-Trainer Spinal Cord Injuries (T3-SCI) intervention is a multi-component program consisting of (1) training of exercise professionals and (2) delivery of an individualised, supervised physical activity program for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Exercise professionals complete the T3-SCI training program via the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia online platform, incorporating self-directed modules, mentored case-based assessments, and facility safety checks (estimated completion10hrs). The modules cover content designed to improve knowledge of SCI pathophysiology and clinical characteristics, risks associated with physical activity, and how to develop safe and inclusive exercise programming with modifications for people with SCI. Content of the T3-SCI program is delivered through presentations, short videos, case studies, multiple choice assessments, self-directed reading and mentorship with an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist experienced in exercise prescription to people with SCI. Following training, participants with SCI receive a 12-week, face-to-face exercise program delivered in participant-nominated community fitness centres by T3-SCI–trained exercise professionals. Sessions are delivered individually or in small groups (1–3 participants), twice weekly for 30–60 minutes, and include moderate-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, progressive resistance training, and flexibility and balance activities consistent with current SCI physical activity guidelines. Exercises might involve use of gym equipment (i.e.: free weights, ergometers, weight machines) and body-weight exercises. Exercise intensity will be determined based on the BORG scale of perceived exertion (RPE). Exercise programs are tailored to individual goals, injury characteristics, physical capacity, and safety considerations, with adaptations made throughout the intervention as required. Programs are reviewed prior to commencement and ongoing remote support is provided to exercise professionals by the research team.
Sponsors
Western Sydney University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
People with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): 1. Adults aged greater than, or equal to, 18 years. 2. Diagnosis of spinal cord injury of any aetiology and time since injury. 3. Self-reported neurological level C5 to S4–5, with ISNCSCI classification A–D, or C1–C4 incomplete where able to actively exercise in the community. 4.Discharged from inpatient rehabilitation. 5. Medically cleared by a GP or physician to participate in physical activity. Exercise Professionals: 1. Adults aged greater than, or equal to, 18 years. 2. Able to communicate in English. 3. Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Exercise .Scientist, or Registered Personal Trainer. 4. Currently working in a fitness centre for more than 3 months. 5. Completion of the T3-SCI training program.
Exclusion criteria
People with Spinal Cord Injury: Full neurological recovery following SCI Medical contraindications to participation in exercise in a fitness centre Self-reported SCI classified as ISNCSCI A–C4 Presence of neurological conditions affecting capacity to participate (e.g. dementia, traumatic brain injury). Exercise professionals: No documented evidence of current public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Outcome results
None listed