The PARA-SCI was designed to capture information on the type, frequency, duration and intensity of physical activity carried out by people with SCI using a wheelchair as their primary mode of mobility (Martin Ginis et al. 2005; Latimer et al. 2006).

Number of items: N/a

Procedure/Administration: Data are reported as an average number of minutes of activity per day (mild, moderate, heavy, total) for the two dimensions (Leisure-time physical activity or lifestyle activity) and a cumulative index.

Interview protocol: An interview format was developed to capture activities performed over the last 3 days which are divided into 8 periods from morning routine to evening routine. The 2 routine periods are subdivided to capture activity related to daily living (transfer, bowel and bladder management, dressing, etc.).  The interviewer asks the respondent about general activities performed during each period.  The number of minutes spent on each specific activity is recorded and the activity is coded into 2 dimensions: Leisure-time physical activity or lifestyle activity (Martin Ginis et al. 2005).

Intensity Classification system: This system was developed from empirical data collected during maximal exercise testing (VO₂max and 1RM muscle workload for chest press and bicep curl). From a list of adjectives, participants of the experiment identified words that described how they felt during exercise. Based on their responses, definitions were created for mild, moderate and heavy intensity exercise (Martin Ginis et al. 2005).

How scored: N/a

Interpretability: N/a

Acceptability: This assessment was specifically developed for the SCI population.  It provides a quantitative measure of physical activity (including the intensity of exercise), taking into account ADLs – which are often physically taxing for individuals with SCI.

Languages: N/a

Usability: N/a

Time to administer: On average, the interview can be completed within 20-30 minutes.

Time to score: N/a

Training required: None

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: N/a

Summary:

• PARA-SCI is a promising instrument that provides information on the intensity-based type of physical activities. It has to be used more extensively before a final assessment is completed.

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Latimer A, Martin Ginis K, Craven B, Hicks A. The Physical Activity Recall Assessment for People with Spinal Cord Injury: Validity. Med  Sci Sports Exerc 2006;38:208-216.
• Martin Ginis K, Latimer A, Hicks A, Craven B. development and Assessment of an Activity Measure for People with Spinal Cord Injury. Med  Sci Sports Exerc 2005;37:1099-1111.
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