Background and aim: In Korea, the lack of a modified physical activity(PA) questionnaire tailored for Koreans complicates the accurate assessment of PA among individuals with spinal cord injury(SCI). This study aims to investigate the PA of individuals with SCI by utilizing a modified PA questionnaire designed for this population and to gain insights into the PA patterns of this demographic in Korea. Methods: Through revisions and adaptations of the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-IPAQ), a self-reported questionnaire was developed and refined in an advisory meeting. The study recruited 176 individuals with SCI from metropolitan areas in Korea between April and June 2023 to assess their PA per week. To quantify PA per week, we calculated Metabolic Equivalent Task-min/week (MET-min/week) by multiplying the reported PA duration. Results: This study showed that the PA level among individuals with SCI in Korea was 2907.2±194.8 MET-min/week. When categorized by intensity, high-intensity activities accounted for 2760.0 ± 280.5 MET-min/week, moderate-intensity activities accounted for 11488.8 ± 89.0 MET-min/week, and low-intensity activities accounted for 1869.4 ± 110.3 MET-min/week. Half of the participants met the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA. Conclusion: The study on PA among Korean individuals with SCI revealed that their average PA levels were higher compared to findings from studies in other countries and the WHO recommendations. However, it is noteworthy that only about half of the participants met the WHO’s PA guidelines, which needs to increase the efforts to promote PA participation among individuals with SCI.

Background and aim: The issue of respiratory function is important for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In particular, developing an exercise program that improves respiratory function is necessary for them. We will develop a program to enhance cardiopulmonary exercise function in individuals with SCI and evaluate its effectiveness to provide evidence to guide the development of future exercise programs. Methods: A rehabilitation exercise program was developed, incorporating respiratory, muscle strength, and aerobic exercises, adapted to the physical characteristics of individuals with SCI. Twenty-two individuals with SCI who resided in metropolitan areas of South Korea participated in the program. Following the intervention, their respiratory function, muscle strength, and exercise performance ability were evaluated. Results: The experimental group (EXP) showed significant improvements in various indices compared to the control group (CON). In terms of respiratory function, the following changes were observed: VC increased by 0.7±0.5 L, FVC 0.5±0.6 L, FEF 0.9±1.4 L/s (p<0.05). In terms of muscle strength, changes in the significant shoulder muscles were as follows: shoulder flexion increased by 3.0±1.2 N (right), 3.2±1.2 N (left); shoulder extension 2.9±2.2 N (right), 3.3±2.1 N (left) (p<0.05). NetVO2 in the EXP increased by 2.7±1.3 ml/kg/min (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study analyzed the combined effects of respiratory, muscle strength, and aerobic exercise, yielding concrete results in improving cardiopulmonary exercise function. The study also proposed an effective exercise strategy for individuals with SCI.