Social Support Initiatives That Facilitate Exercise Participation in Community Gyms for People with Disability: A Scoping Review

Abstract

People with disability report social support facilitates participation in physical activity. A scoping review explored social support strategies used to facilitate exercise participation for people with disability (aged ≥ 15 years) in community gym settings. Seven electronic databases were searched. Studies were screened for eligibility based on title and abstract followed by full-text review. Data were analysed using content analysis and narrative synthesis. Forty-two articles reporting data from 35 studies were included. Eight types of social support were identified: supervision (n = 30), peer support (n = 21), specialist support (n = 19), orientation (n = 15), education (n = 7), logistical support (n = 6), motivational support (n = 5) and organised social activities (n = 4). Direct supervision was typically provided 1:1 or in small groups by staff experienced working with people with disability. Peer support typically involved support from exercise group participants or a peer mentor. Specialist support was usually provided by a health or exercise professional either directly to people with disability or to the people providing support to them (e.g., trainer). Orientation to the gym environment, equipment and exercise program was usually provided over 1 or 2 sessions. Gym staff may use these strategies to guide the implementation of social supports within their facilities to promote social connectedness and participation for people with disability.

Keywords: adolescents; fitness; peer support; physical activity; recreation centre; supervision; young adults.

Figure 1

PRISMA flowchart of study selection.

Figure 2

Mapping social supports to the socio-ecological model. The most common person- and organisational-based supports are highlighted in italics.