title: Considerations for the development of a physical activity guide for Canadians with physical disabilities.
abstract: This paper provides a brief overview of the epidemiological data regarding Canadians with physical disabilities, with a particular emphasis on health status. A literature review is then presented, focusing on activity levels and the physiological and health-related quality of life benefits of activity for people with four different physical disabilities (arthritis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis). The unique physical activity barriers faced by people with physical disabilities are discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations for the development of a physical activity guide for Canadians with physical disabilities.
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Department of Kinesiology, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. martink@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Kathleen A Martin
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ginis
authors.forename: Audrey L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: D001168:Arthritis / Q000628:therapy; D002170:Canada; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000628:therapy; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy