| Those who are physically disabled are at significant risk for physical inactivity. Despite known benefits of exercise, many disabled individuals fail to participate in recreation and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between specific accessibility barriers (sidewalks and curbs, transportation, lack of adaptive equipment, and cost associated with participation in a health club) and frequency of vigorous and moderate physical activity among the noninstitutionalized physically-disabled population. The research questions were used to evaluate the relationship accessibility barriers have on exercise patterns of the physically disabled. This cross-sectional study involved secondary data analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between defined accessibility barriers and frequency of physical activity. Results of this study indicated that higher cost of participation in a health club/facility was associated with higher odds of meeting recommendations of vigorous physical activity (adjusted OR 2.099 [1.172-3.760], p = 0.013) and moderate physical activity (adjusted OR 1.800 [1.276-2.540], p = 0.001). Significant covariates associated with cost, transportation and adaptive equipment barriers included income below poverty level, level of education, smoking status and alcohol consumption. No associations were observed between sidewalks and curbs, transportation and lack of adaptive equipment and frequency of either vigorous or moderate physical activity. This study contributes to positive social change by identifying key determinants to physical activity among the disabled population. Health promotion programs targeted at disabled persons with low incomes and low education could increase their levels of physical activity. |
