Enduring benefits of exercise after spinal cord injury: Insights from a case study
African Journal of Disability
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Enduring benefits of exercise after spinal cord injury: Insights from a case study | |
| Creator | Vermaak, Candace Kunorozva, Lovemore | |
| Description | Introduction: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs), while relatively rare, profoundly alter the lives of those affected. Among the diverse causes of SCI, traumatic sporting injuries represent 8.7% of newly reported cases. Despite the life-altering consequences of SCI, physical activity (PA) can mitigate some of these impacts.Patient presentation: This case study highlights the long-term benefits of sustained PA and its crucial role in fostering a cascade of positive outcomes post-SCI. We present the case of an elite South African athlete, ‘Jim’, who sustained a complete SCI at the C6 level at the age of 16 in 2012 following a fall during dismount in a gymnastics competition. Jim’s rehabilitation journey began shortly after the injury, encompassing formal inpatient care, alternative therapies and ultimately a return to competitive sports. By 2015, Jim resumed athletic activities, beginning with shot put and discus before transitioning to wheelchair racing, which became a pivotal aspect of his recovery.Management and outcome: The case emphasises how sustained PA led to Jim’s significant physical and mental improvements, such as weight loss, enhanced self-esteem, increased mobility and greater independence in daily living. Moreover, sport provided Jim with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of creating ongoing opportunities for individuals with SCI to continue their recovery long after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.Contribution: This case study illustrates how sustained PA contributed to a cascade of positive outcomes in Jim’s recovery following SCI, offering valuable insights from his lived experience. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2025-06-25 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1633 | |
| Source | African Journal of Disability; Vol 14 (2025); 6 pages 2226-7220 2223-9170 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1633/3371
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1633/3372
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1633/3373
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1633/3374
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