PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ACTIVITY STATUS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY IN THE KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background and Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to substantial impairment in physical function and mobility, making it essential to understand the physical fitness and activity levels of community-dwelling individuals for guiding rehabilitation strategies. This study aimed to determine the physical fitness and physical activity levels of individuals with SCI living in the community and to examine the relationship between these variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Klang Valley, encompassing Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Putrajaya. Sociodemographic data were collected using online forms and email responses. Physical fitness was assessed through upper limb strength, handgrip strength, and predicted peak oxygen uptake using a handheld dynamometer, handgrip dynamometer, and the 6-minute wheelchair push test. Physical activity levels were measured using a validated questionnaire commonly used in populations with physical disabilities.

Results: Participants demonstrated a mean handgrip strength of 32.00 (15.11) kg, mean shoulder flexor strength of 15.08 (7.35) kg, mean predicted peak oxygen uptake of 2152.22 (384.44) mL/min, and a moderate physical activity level with a mean score of 54.65 (33.2). No significant correlation was found between physical fitness measures and physical activity levels. Male participants recorded higher physical activity scores and peak oxygen uptake than females, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Physical fitness and physical activity levels among individuals with SCI in the community were not significantly correlated. Future studies should include a larger and more diverse sample to better understand these relationships across various demographic and functional groups.