Exploring the leisure time physical activity (LTPA) experiences of women with a physical disability in India

ABSTRACT

Empirical evidence has shown that leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has numerous benefits for women with a disability. However, little information is available on the nature of LTPA experiences within a majority world context. This study explored the LTPA experiences of women with a physical disability in India. Five women with a physical disability were interviewed in-person through go-along interviews. Photos and field notes were taken throughout the research process, including at the site of LTPA. A thematic narrative analysis was used to interpret the women’s experiences via three narratives. The multifaceted explorer focussed on LTPA as a means to a diverse life – enhancing health, friendships, and happiness. Spreading my wings storied LTPA as a transformative agent that enabled opportunities and promoted personal growth. Better me for a better you told the story of breaking boundaries and emerging as forerunners through LTPA. All three narratives showed how LTPA enabled and fostered empowerment, social support, and a sense of belonging. These insights highlight the need for more LTPA opportunities and targeted interventions for women with a disability in India and other majority world countries.

KEYWORDS:

• Women
• parasport
• exercise
• majority world
• stories

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Natasha Kaushik

Natasha Kaushik is a wellbeing specialist with a keen interest in integrating research on physical activity, mental health, and disability within the health industry to bring insights that promote a healthier, more inclusive workplace.

Veronica Allan

Veronica R. Allan is the manager of research and innovation at Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Her area of expertise is knowledge creation and mobilization within the sport system. Her research is broadly focused on factors influencing athlete development, quality experiences, and coaching in youth and disability sport settings.

Amy Latimer-Cheung

Amy E. Latimer-Cheung is a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. Her research aims to increase physical activity participation among adults with mobility impairments, minimize disability, and maximize quality of life.

Jordan Koch

Jordan Koch is an assistant professor at the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at McGill University. His areas of expertise are the sociology of sport, sport for development programming, ethnographic methods and critical pedagogy in physical and health education.

Shane N Sweet

Shane N. Sweet an associate professor at the department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at McGill University. His research aims at understanding, changing and promoting physical activity adoption and maintenance in adults with a focus on special populations (i.e., adults with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and spinal cord injury).