Physical activity beliefs and behaviour of adults with physical disabilities

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to elicit the physical activity (PA) beliefs from adults with physical disabilities; and second, to examine their self-reported PA participation.

Method. Participants were 223 adults (M age = 45.4 years, SD = 10.8), with self-reported physical disabilities who completed a web-based survey. Six open-ended questions were used to assess PA beliefs and the PA Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities measured self-reported PA.

Results. A qualitative analysis showed that the most accessible behavioural advantages are that PA improves emotional functioning and assists with weight management. The most accessible behavioural disadvantages are that PA causes pain or soreness and consumes time. The most accessible normative influences that approve of PA are family, friends, and healthcare professionals. The most accessible control beliefs obstructing PA are disability and associated symptoms, and a lack of access to adequate facilities, equipment, or programs. The most accessible control beliefs that facilitate PA are access to adequate facilities, equipment, or programs, and support or assistance. Finally, the average total PA score was 20.5 metabolic equivalent (METS)-hours/day (SD = 16.8).

Conclusions. Adults with physical disabilities possess unique PA beliefs that can be used to design health promotion interventions to increase PA participation.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• theory of planned bahaviour
• special needs population