Barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation for children with physical disability: comparing and contrasting the views of children, young people, and their clinicians

Despite the benefits of engaging in physical activity during their leisure time, children do not meet the recommendations on physical activity. Following the socio-ecological model as a theoretical framework, the aim of this study was to determine the barriers and facilitators that influence physical activity participation in children’s leisure time. Data collection was conducted through focus groups and individual drawings in a sample of 98 eight- to eleven-year-olds from six schools in Cuenca (Spain). Following the socio-ecological model, individual characteristics (age and sex), as well as the microsystem (parents and friends), mesosystem (timing and out-of-school schedule) and exosystem (safety and weather) influence physical activity participation. The relationships between these levels of the socio-ecological model reveal that opportunities for leisure physical activity are determined by children’s schedules. This schedule is negotiated by the family and is influenced by parents’ worries and necessities. This is the main barrier to physical activity participation due to the creation of more restrictive, sedentary schedules, especially for girls. Our results show the elements required to develop successful strategies to increase physical activity opportunities, namely, focusing on giving children the opportunity to choose activities, raising parents’ awareness of the importance of physical activity and improving the perceived safety of parks, taking into consideration the gender perspective.

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Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Participation for Men with Transtibial Osteomyoplastic Amputation

JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics ◽

10.1097/jpo.0000000000000109 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 165-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Derek A. Crawford ◽

Toby B. Hamilton ◽

Carol P. Dionne ◽

Jonathan D. Day

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Physical Activity Participation ◽

Activity Participation

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Pathways for Long-Term Physical Activity Participation for Military Veterans With a Physical Disability

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly ◽

10.1123/apaq.2019-0133 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Celina H. Shirazipour ◽

Amy E. Latimer-Cheung

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Program Development ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Physical Disability ◽

Military Veterans ◽

Physical Activity Participation ◽

Activity Participation

A gap in knowledge exists regarding how to maintain physical activity (PA) for individuals with acquired disabilities following initial introductory experiences. The current study aimed to contribute to filling this gap by exploring the PA pathways of military veterans with a physical disability, particularly those who maintain long-term PA, from impairment to the present. Veterans with a physical disability (N = 18) participated in interviews exploring their PA history and experiences. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to generate common pathways in PA participation, as well as to examine which elements of participation supported PA maintenance. Three long-term pathways were identified—two parasport pathways and one recreational PA pathway. Four elements of participation (i.e., mastery, challenge, belongingness, meaning) supported to maintain PA at key junctures. This knowledge provides further understanding of how to promote long-term PA for individuals with acquired disabilities and can support advancements in theory, as well as program development.

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