Background. Spinal cord injuries are one of disability in Poland and in the world. Methods: 80 subjects with a transverse injury of the cervical spinal cord were enrolled in the study. The study group included men aged 20–50, 33.1 ± 7.5. A total of 40 (50%) of the subjects comprised the physically active group (AG)—subjects doing wheelchair sport twice a week for 90 min a day. The physically inactive group (IG) comprised 40 (50%) subjects who had not participated in any sports activities. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results. Significant differences were found between the physically active and inactive men with regard to their functionality status. The biggest differences were found for turning over (p < 0.001) and in adopting a sitting position (p < 0.001). Persons in the AG group had better results in all assessed activities. The biggest differences were observed in the field of toilet and dressing up: tooth-brushing p < 0.007 and washing the top part of the body p < 0.002. Conclusions. People participating in regular physical activity–wheelchair rugby–after spinal cord injury have a better relationship with better fitness, greater independence and a better functional status.

Background. Spinal cord injuries are one of the main causes of disability in Poland and in the world. Quadriparesis, limitations in activities of daily living, lack of full autonomy and psycho-social problems are consequences of cervical spinal cord injury. Due to the consequences, especially motor paralysis and sedentary lifestyle resulting from spinal injuries, much attention is drawn to physical activity in subjects with this type of injuries. Objective. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of regular physical activity on functional fitness and independent existence of subjects after high spinal cord injury.Methods. 80 subjects with transverse injury of cervical spinal cord were enrolled in the study. The study group included men aged 20-50, in which group 40 (50%) of the subjects were qualified to the physically active group – subjects doing wheelchair sport, and 40 (50%) of the subjects were qualified to the physically inactive group – subjects taking no physical activity. The physically active men were qualified on the basis of their participation in organised activities - wheelchair rugby. Minimum participation was 90 minutes a day twice a week. Subjects from the physically inactive group had a passive lifestyle and participated in no sports activities. Results. Highly significant differences were observed during the study between the physically active and inactive men with regard to the functionality status. The study subjects taking regular physical exercise had better results in all assessed activities. The biggest differences were observed in the field of toilet and dressing up. Conclusions. The study confirmed that regular physical activity is correlated with better fitness. The study also showed that the subjects playing wheelchair rugby are more independent, which results in their better functional status in everyday life.