Physical activity participation among persons with disabilities: barriers and facilitators.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to identify various barriers and facilitators associated with participation in fitness and recreation programs/facilities among persons with disabilities.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted in ten regions across the United States in 2001 to 2002 with four types of participants: (1) consumers with disabilities, (2) architects, (3) fitness and recreation professionals, and (4) city planners and park district managers. Sessions were tape-recorded and content analyzed; focus group facilitators took notes of identified barriers and facilitators to access.


RESULTS
Content analysis of tape recordings revealed 178 barriers and 130 facilitators. The following themes were identified: (1) barriers and facilitators related to the built and natural environment; (2) economic issues; (3) emotional and psychological barriers; (4) equipment barriers; (5) barriers related to the use and interpretation of guidelines, codes, regulations, and laws; (6) information-related barriers; (7) professional knowledge, education, and training issues; (8) perceptions and attitudes of persons who are not disabled, including professionals; (9) policies and procedures both at the facility and community level; and (10) availability of resources.


CONCLUSIONS
The degree of participation in physical activity among people with disabilities is affected by a multifactorial set of barriers and facilitators that are unique to this population. Future research should utilize this information to develop intervention strategies that have a greater likelihood of success.
Rimmer
James H
JH
Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608-6704, USA. jrimmer@uic.edu
Riley
Barth
B
Wang
Edward
E
Rauworth
Amy
A
Jurkowski
Janine
J
D000328:Adult; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D001290:Attitude; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D004867:Equipment Design; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010465:Perception; D014481:United States