Priority actions to support disabled people to be physically active

Background:
Disabled people are more likely than non-disabled people to be physically inactive, placing them at increased risk of ill-health. Many disabled people want to be more physically active yet feel there is inadequate support to do so. Disabled people face many barriers to physical activity, over and above those experienced by the non-disabled population. However, evidence on the tangible actions that would support disabled people to be active is limited.

Purpose:
The aims of this study were to explore the barriers and facilitators to physical activity for disabled people and to identify the key actions that would best support their participation.

Methods:
Twenty-one disabled people (62% >45 years, 48% male) from across the United Kingdom were purposively sampled to participate in a focus group. Six focus groups were undertaken online using a semi-structured guide, with transcripts thematically analysed.

Results:
Thirteen themes were identified across four levels of the ecological model – interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy. Priority actions for stakeholders include mandatory training on how to support disabled people, improvements to the accessibility of facilities and equipment, improved frequency of public transport to activity centres, reduced cost of activities, and actions to improve societal attitudes towards disabled people.

Conclusions:
Urgent action is needed to support disabled people to be physically active. Policymakers, non-government organisations (NGOs), and practitioners have a vital role in creating environments and opportunities to ensure equitable access to physical activity for disabled people.

Practical implications:
This research highlights tangle actions that can be taken by a range of stakeholders to support disabled people to be physically active.

Funding:
This research was supported by funding from the University of East Anglia Faculty of Medicine and Health Studentship awarded to the lead author.