Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes medical disorders and loss of functions, independence and physical activity in daily and social life. Primary inpatient rehabilitation after SCI onset is more focused on improving the physical state, physical capacity or developing functional independence and mobility skills. In long-term periods the functioning and socialization processes of people with SCI are improving each year naturally engaging and participating in various areas of everyday life.
Objectives: The functioning and physical activity of people with SCI in different period of life: during inpatient SCI rehabilitation, after discharge in the long-term context (1–24 years after SCI on set).
Material and Methods: A total of 194 people with SCI were participated in the research during 2007–2015. The study was carried out during inpatient rehabilitation in the Centre of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine and during independent life skills and recreation camps in the Landscape Therapy and Recreation Centre (Palanga). Functional problems were assessed by the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for SCI. Socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity in everyday life in different periods after SCI onset were collected by a brief form of the Life Situation Questionnaire-revised.
Results: SCI more often experienced young men, up to 34 years of age unmarried and having special or higher education. Prevailed traumatic, in thoracic level and AIS A type SCI. People with SCI actively participated in labour market: during 1–5 years after SCI employed participants increased from 17.8% to 30.2% and in subsequence periods increased significantly to 35.8% (p<0.05). In different period prevailed jobs at home, works to order and shortterm jobs. The comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation statistically significant improved activities and participation skills, especially in solving problems, mobility and self-care, but physical activity in everyday life more increased in 1–5 years period: participants more spent time in a wheelchair, actively participated in sports and household chores, more often went outside of the house and went out to manage social matters or to entertain.
Conclusion: During inpatient rehabilitation precisely solved problems, favourable social conditions, promoted physically active lifestyle, assurance of social support and state policy could ensures successful functioning and better physical activity in everyday life and community in long-term context of people with SCI.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury; Functioning; Physical activity; Employment; Participation in daily life