Engaging in Sport with Spinal Cord Injury

Participation in sport following a SCI can offer a range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Sport for any person with an impairment or disability (inclusive, adaptive, and para-sport) offers inclusive and competitive opportunities for a wide range of abilities and interests, enabling individuals to engage at local grass roots through to high-performance levels. For practitioners and carers supporting people with SCI, understanding the opportunities, structures, and systems in sport for those with a SCI is essential to facilitating access and long-term engagement. In addition to the benefits of sport participation, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks for individuals with SCI, such as skin injuries (pressure sores), autonomic dysreflexia, soft tissue injuries, and thermal regulation issues. Proper preparation, including risk management and ongoing monitoring, are key to ensuring participation remains safe and beneficial for people with SCI.