Comparisons of leisure-time physical activity participation by adults with and without a disability: results of an Australian cross-sectional national survey

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe and compare the amount and type of leisure-time physical activity, and motivations and barriers to participation among adults with and without a disability.

Methods: Analysis of deidentified data from an Australian cross-sectional national telephone-based survey (October 2015 to June 2018) of sport and physical recreation participation over the previous 12 months, and barriers and motivations to participation. Descriptive statistics (incorporating weighted proportions), χ² tests and regression analyses were conducted to describe aspects of participation and compare those with and without self-reported disability.

Results: Of the 54 343 adults surveyed, 15% reported a disability. Adults with a disability were half as likely to meet physical activity guidelines through sport and/or physical recreation than adults without a disability (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.57). A greater proportion of adults with a disability participated in physical recreation only (40% vs 31%; χ²=187; p<0.001), whereas a greater proportion of adults without a disability participated in sport only (20% vs 12%; χ²=188; p<0.001). Adults with a disability were more motivated than adults without a disability to try a new activity for physical health or fitness benefits (55% vs 46%; χ²=36; p<0.001). The most reported barrier to participation for adults with a disability not currently participating in sport and/or physical recreation was poor health or injury (62%), whereas for adults without a disability it was lack of time/too many other commitments (43%).

Conclusion: Adults with a disability are less physically active and report different physical activity profiles and barriers to being active than adults without a disability. Urgent action is required to address this discrepancy.

Keywords: disability; physical activity; sport.

Figure 1

Leisure-time physical activity participation compared between male and female adults with and without a disability. Key: D, adults with a disability ≥ 6 months (n=10 235); ND, adults without a disability (n=44 108); weighted percentages.

Figure 2

Meeting physical activity guidelines through sport and/or physical recreation using average weekly duration calculation*—comparing adults with and without a disability of different ages. Key: D, adults with a disability ≥ 6 months, n=10 235; ND, adults without a disability, n=44 108; weighted percentages; *average weekly duration calculation: adults 18+ meeting guidelines defined as ≥ 150 min per week of sport and/or physical recreation.