title: From the Paralympics to public health: increasing physical activity through legislative and policy initiatives.
abstract: Individuals with disabilities experience a disproportionate rate of chronic disease and are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles than the general population. Multiple complex factors likely contribute to these disparities, including structural, socioeconomic and attitudinal barriers that impede broad participation of individuals with disabilities in health and wellness promotion programs. Public health initiatives aimed at mitigating these health disparities emphasize improved access to physical activity and sports opportunities. Given its visibility, the Paralympic Movement provides an opportunity to transform how society conceptualizes the relationship of disability to physical fitness. The Paralympics also serve as a catalyst for public health education and program development. Already, public policies and governmental regulations are expanding grassroots sports opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities, thus promoting inclusive opportunities for participation in physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA∗. Electronic address: cblauwet@partners.org.
authors.forename: Cheri A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Blauwet
authors.affiliation: Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA(†).
authors.forename: Lisa I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Iezzoni
mesh_terms: D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D011640:Public Policy; D013177:Sports; D014481:United States