Education and Measurement are the Top Priorities to Advance Physical Literacy for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Background: Most individuals with physical disabilities do not meet physical activity recommendations, which may negatively impact quality of life. Physical literacy is a concept that considers the key elements necessary to support lifelong physical activity. Limited attention has been directed towards physical literacy for individuals with physical disabilities. Objectives: To obtain expert consensus on strategic priorities to delineate the next steps on physical literacy for individuals with physical disabilities. Methods: The Collaborative Prioritized Planning Process was followed during a two-day online consensus meeting with experts in disability and physical activity. This systematic four-step process involved: 1) knowledge synthesis before the meeting, 2) challenge identification and prioritization, 3) solution identification, consolidation and prioritization, and 4) action planning. Results: Thirty-one experts participated in the meeting. Five challenges related to physical literacy for individuals with physical disabilities were prioritized. The following solutions were suggested: developing a massive online open course, creating a physical literacy measurement toolkit, developing a physical literacy resource portal, creating a national database of physical literacy outcomes, and redefining an existing international consensus statement for physical literacy to be more inclusive. Conclusions: Collaborations between experts are needed to advance the research in physical literacy for people with disabilities through education and measurement.