ABSTRACT
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic injury resulting in often permanent changes in function and sensation below the level of injury. These changes following SCI present individuals with significant challenges to improving and maintaining their health and well-being. A significant proportion of traumatic SCIs are caused by sports-related injury. Therefore, it is important to explore the impact of sports-related SCI to improve treatment modalities, rehabilitation, and life-long health and well-being. Accordingly, this chapter begins with a brief overview of how injury to the spinal cord occurs and the prevalence and causes of SCI within sport. The impact of traumatic SCI to health and well-being is then considered along with the role of physical activity in SCI rehabilitation. Next, a critical approach to physical activity promotion to this population is offered. To close, a case study of SCI acquired through sport is presented with associated questions to help explore experiences of SCI.
