Title
Disability and barriers to physical activity
Research Area
Health; Disability
Author
Bidley, T et al; Traverse
Summary of Findings
This report was originally written as a review of the Get Yourself Active programme. Telephone interviews were undertaken with disability-focused organisations, sports providers and social workers to examine the barriers faced by people with disabilities and to understand the current available provision. Additionally, surveys were completed by people with disabilities themselves to again understand barriers and to look at their mental/physical well-being.
Overall the findings were that physical activity levels were low with 68% of those asked saying they were physically active less than once a week. This was even higher amongst those aged 50+ where 80% said they were physically active less than once a week. The barriers identified were; knowledge of what is available; cost; accessibility of facilities; lack of suitable activities and reluctance to engage in activities (due to confidence to previous negative experience). Accessibility issues were described as both lack of physical accessibility or suitable equipment but also lack of training and knowledge of staff. The report goes on to look at what changes could be made within the social work and local coordinator roles to support professionals and give them confidence when discussing physical activity.
Implications
The findings of this piece of research could be used to guide and influence future work to improve inclusivity or target those with a disability.
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