Randomized controlled trial of a self-management intervention in persons with spinal cord injury: Design of the HABITS (Healthy Active Behavioural IntervenTion in SCI) study

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 16-week self-management intervention on physical activity level and self-management skills (self-efficacy, proactive coping and problem solving skills) in persons with chronic SCI. Method and design: Multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT). Eighty persons with a SCI for at least 10 years and aged 18 to 65 will randomly be assigned to the intervention (self-management) or the control group (information provision). During the 16-week self-management intervention (one home-visit, five group and five individual sessions) active lifestyle will be stimulated and self-management skills will be taught. Data will be collected at baseline (T0), 16 (T1) and 42 (T2) weeks after baseline. Primary outcome measure is level of daily physical activity (self-report/objectively measured). Secondary outcome measures are self-managements skills, stage of behaviour change and attitude. Conclusion: This is the first RCT on self-management in people with chronic spinal cord injury. This trial will provide knowledge on the effects of a self-management intervention on physical active lifestyle in persons with a long-term SCI. Implications for Rehabilitation Persons with long-term SCI benefit from a higher activity level in terms of health-and psychological benefits. Self-management interventions have shown to be effective in modifying behaviours and preventing health problems in different chronic disorders. This study aims to enhance a physically active lifestyle in persons with long-term SCI by improving self-management skills (self-efficacy, problem solving & proactive coping) through a self-management intervention.