Evaluation of an inpatient sports program to guide post-discharge physical activity participation among people with brain and spinal cord injury – a cross-sectional study

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Published 23rd October 2025

Purpose
This evaluation explored the adoption of sporting programs as an adjunct to the rehabilitation of inpatients with acquired brain (ABI) or spinal cord injuries (SCI). It investigated the characteristics of participating individuals, levels of participation, experiences, and uptake of sport in the community post-discharge.

Methods
Inpatients of three rehabilitation units were invited to engage in sporting sessions. Patient-reported measures of participation and exercise were collected at enrolment, hospital discharge, and 3-months post-discharge. Surveys measured perceptions of the program from participants and coaches. Qualitative interviews were conducted 3-months post-discharge to explore the uptake of sport in the community and were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
30 participants (ABI: 57%; SCI: 43%) consented to participate. The mean age of participants was 43 (SD = 18) and 80% (n = 24) were male. Qualitative interviews produced four themes: Participation enhanced the rehabilitation experience, operational factors impacted experience, Sporting programs were not considered a pathway to competitive sports and, Moving forward with sport in the community.

Conclusion
Participation in an inpatient sports program helped participants feel a sense of social connection and improved mental-wellbeing. It did not, ho

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Sport programs in inpatient rehabilitation and translation to community participation

• People with acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries do not meet Australian physical activity guidelines (as described by the Australian Government department of health and aged care) and have reduced participation in sports and recreation compared to people without disabilities.
• Including sports programs in inpatient rehabilitation improves inpatient mental health and wellbeing.
• Staff believe sports programs serve an important purpose for rehabilitation.
• A 3-month follow-up period is too short for people to be considering their participation in sports and recreation post discharge from hospital.
• There may be scope for community therapist to provide increased support to assist in people with disabilities seeking out access to sports and recreation once they have discharged home from hospital and settled back in to their day-to-day routine.

Citation

Daniel, H., Bray, E. A., Beckman, E. M., Smith, K., Kendall, M., Tweedy, S., … Gane, E. (2025). Evaluation of an inpatient sports program to guide post-discharge physical activity participation among people with brain and spinal cord injury – a cross-sectional study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–16.

Authors

Tim Geraghty

Professor and Director

Melissa Kendall

Glenn Verner-Wren

Emily Bray