Superman actor Christopher Reeves attributes his notable recovery following a spinal cord injury to an intensive exercise program.

Recent research at McMaster University's Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation has demonstrated that participation in exercise has both physical and psychological benefits for people with paraplegia and quadriplegia.

“Our study shows that for people with spinal cord injury, participating in twice weekly exercise increases strength and endurance, improves mood and helps with pain management,” said Kathleen Martin Ginis, an associate professor of health & exercise psychology. “Overall, exercise makes daily activities easier.”

The research, published in the journal Spinal Cord, examined 34 individuals with spinal cord injury who participated in a nine-month randomized controlled trial of exercise training.

“Unfortunately, despite these benefits, many people with spinal cord injury do not participate in exercise. Finding and getting to an accessible exercise centre can be a real challenge,” said Martin Ginis.

To help individuals overcome this participation barrier, Martin Ginis is launching a new study that provides people with spinal cord injury help over the telephone and internet to set up their own home-based exercise program.

“The Get Active Your Way program offers practical exercise tips and motivation,” said Martin Ginis. “We are currently seeking Canadians with a spinal cord injury to enrol in the study.”

Any adults with a spinal cord injury interested in participating can e-mail PhD student Amy Latimer at latimeae@mcmaster.ca or call 1-905-525-9140 ext. 27624.