Background/Purpose: Spasticity is a disabling neuromuscular condition resulting from an upper motor neuron lesion within the central nervous system. This study describes affordances for, and barriers to, participation in physical activity among individuals experiencing chronic lower limb spasticity.
Method: Thirty-four ambulatory and medically stable individuals (19–78 years of age, males=17) receiving services from a Spasticity Clinic were recruited. Clinical diagnoses were: stroke (n=15), multiple sclerosis (n=11), incomplete spinal cord injury (n=4), and cerebral palsy (n=4). During semi-structured interviews, participants discussed how their condition and their social and physical context influenced participation in physical activity. The interview transcripts were coded using a template of codes aligned with constructs of the Model of Functioning and Disability (WHO, 2001), specifically: products and technology; natural and human made environment; support and relationships; attitudes; and services, systems and polices.
Analysis/Results: Participants largely described inactive lifestyles and levels of physical activity that were lower now than in the past. However, several participants had found new ways of being active e.g. participating in aquatic therapy instead of swimming laps. The natural and human made environment (including climate) as well as services and systems were the major categories of barriers to physical activity. Whereas products and technology (particularly for mobility), along with support and relationships, were major sources of affordances.
Conclusions: Barriers and affordances to participation largely resulted from interactions between the individual's condition and their context. Products and technologies and social support, in particular, afforded participants a ‘safety net' that alleviated some concerns about being active.