Determinants of Physical Activity Among People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Test of Social Cognitive Theory

BACKGROUND: Little theory-based research has focused on understanding and increasing physical activity among people with physical disabilities. Testing a social cognitive theory-based model of determinants is important for identifying variables to target in physical activity-enhancing interventions. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine Social Cognitive Theory variables as predictors of physical activity among people living with spinal cord injury. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to test a model of Social Cognitive Theory predictors of physical activity (n=160). RESULTS: The model explained 39% of the variance in physical activity. Self-regulation was the only significant, direct predictor. Self-regulatory efficacy and outcome expectations had indirect effects, mediated by self-regulation. CONCLUSION: Social Cognitive Theory is useful for predicting physical activity in people with spinal cord injury. Self-regulation is the most potent Social Cognitive Theory predictor of physical activity in people with spinal cord injury. Self-regulation and its determinants should be targeted in physical activity-enhancing interventions.