Özel Eğitim İhtiyacı Olan Türk Bireylerin Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ve Bunun Yordayıcıları

Abstract

Objective: It is known that physical activity levels of disabled individuals are lower than those of healthy individuals, both among adolescence and adulthood. This study aims to compare the physical activity levels of individuals with disabilities from various diagnosis groups and try to define the predictors of physical activity levels of individuals with disabilities. Material and Methods: A total of 275 participants (103 women and 172 men) with either one of the following disabilities (or their representatives) filled in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and a Participant Information Form: intellectual disabilities, hearing impairment, language- speech disorders, specific developmental disorder and pervasive developmental disorder. Results: Fifteen per cent of the participants were highly active (n=42), 20% were moderately active (n=54) and 65% were low level active (n=179). Total physical activity, high-intensity physical activity, walking amounts and daily average sitting time of the participants differed significantly between the diagnostic groups. (p<0.001, p=0.037, p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). People with hearing impairment were the most active and people with severe intellectual disability were the least active. Sex, diagnosis and the father's having postgraduate training were significant predictors of physical activity levels. Conclusion: Majority of the individuals with disabilities do not meet the minimum physical activity recommendations. Physical activity levels differ among various diagnoses groups and people with severe intellectual disability require the most attention.