Gym staff perspectives on disability inclusion: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

To explore gym staff perspectives on the inclusion of people with disability in the gym setting.

Materials and methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 staff at four urban gym facilities, exploring perspectives on disability inclusion. An interpretive descriptive approach was adopted with reflexive thematic analysis of interview data and subsequent mapping of themes to the socioecological model.

Results

Consistent with the socioecological model, the themes identified were “people with disability benefit from participation in gym settings” (personal); “positive interactions with people with disability” (interpersonal); “managing expectations of other gym users” (interpersonal); “inclusion is supported by a positive ethos, staff training and accessible facilities” (organisational); “people with disability lack awareness of inclusive exercise opportunities” (community); “desire to increase collaboration with healthcare professionals” (community); “access to transport can facilitate gym attendance” (community) and “local gym policy” (policy).

Conclusion

Although an overall ethos of inclusion was apparent, areas identified for enhancement were: awareness of gym services in the community; inter-sectoral collaboration with healthcare and disability organisations; comprehensive disability inclusion training; transport systems and accessibility; engaging people with disability in gym service planning.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Gym staff value collaboration with healthcare and rehab professionals to support inclusion of people with disability in exercise.

• Standardised disability inclusion training for gym staff is recommended.

• Individuals with disability should be empowered to contribute to the development of inclusive gym facilities and services.

• Rehab professionals have a role to play in raising awareness and advocating for inclusive exercise opportunities.

Keywords:

• Socioecological model
• physical activity
• gym
• exercise
• inclusion
• disability
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors of this study would like to acknowledge; all study participants from the gym sector at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Leisure, Dublin and University College Dublin (UCD); the following BSc Physiotherapy students at UCD for their research assistance; Aisling Clancy, Paddy Doherty, Niamh Hebblethwaite, Emma Rumley.

Disclosure statement

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