Barriers to physical activity participation for adults with intellectual disability: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Identifying barriers that can be modified to promote physical activity is important for informing health interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. Objectives Exploring participation in physical activity considering age, sex, living conditions, and health conditions. Further, identifying barriers significantly associated with sedentary activity after adjustment for physical activity correlates. Methods A cross‐sectional study including physical activity and barrier questions from the POMONA‐15 health indicators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with sedentary activity level as dependent variable. Results Among 213 participants with intellectual disabilities, 36% reported predominately sedentary activities, 53% light and 11% moderate/vigorous physical activity. Barriers related to sedentary activity after adjustment were transportation, health conditions, mobility impairment, and lack of activities at the day activity centre. Conclusions The findings highlight the need to enhance physical activity opportunities at day activity centres, tailor programmes for wheelchair users, and improve access to physical activity facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities.