Participation In Physical Activity Programs Research Articles

Assessing physical activity promotion in different settings and how its associated with public participation during COVID-19 epidemic: evidence from national policy evaluation

BackgroundVarious interventions, programs and policies have been implemented to improve physical activity (PA) levels worldwide. However, countries continue to face barriers and challenges in achieving their targets. To date, there is a lack of study on the evaluation of physical activity (PA) promotion and how it’s associated with public participation.MethodsThis study assessed PA promotion in eight different settings in terms of policy availability, policy implementation, and public participation in PA programs. Policy availability was assessed by reviewing 384 policy and strategy documents, rules, regulations, legislation, and guidelines on PA. We scored the documents by using the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity (CAPPA) framework. Data to assess policy implementation and public participation were taken from the Thailand Report Card Survey 2021 (TRC2021), and the Thailand Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2021. Both surveys comprised over 5,000 nationally-representative samples from on-screen, face-to-face interviews, and an online self-administered survey. We scored the policy implementation and public participation based on respondents’ response towards policy implementation and participation indicators. A grading scheme was applied to indicate how successful an investment has been made.ResultsPublic education and mass media received the highest average score in policy availability, implementation and public participation in PA program (67.9%, grade B), followed by active urban design (66.1%, grade B-) and active transport (63.7%, grade B-). Workplace, whole-of-school, and community-wide initiatives were the investments with the lowest scores, implying low availability, limited implementation, and less accessibility to public. Females were less likely to participate in active transport, active urban design, sports/recreation for all, workplace activity, and community-wide initiatives. Age and educational attainment were consistent predictors of utilization in all investments.ConclusionsWith varying degrees of policy availability and accessibility, public participation in PA investments is likely to be constrained by biological and socioeconomic inequality. Future investments should aim at providing generalized or tailored interventions to ensure equal access and participation for all segments of the population.

Perspectives of Swiss Paediatric Health Care Professionals on Factors Influencing Physical Activity Participation in Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Aim Investigation of the perspectives of paediatric health care professionals (PHCPs) in Switzerland regarding factors that influence participation in physical activity programs for children and adolescents with disabilities or chronic conditions (CADCCs). Evaluation of self-reported exercise counselling behavior of those professionals. Method A cross-sectional survey was used to collect the opinions of 171 PHCPs working with CADCCs using a structured questionnaire. The information obtained was evaluated by performing a combined quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis. Results PHCPs in Switzerland think that CADCC do not get enough physical activity and see the underlying reasons in lacking information/knowledge and organizational factors. We found that the level of knowledge about disability sports opportunities among PHCPs has a positive influence on their exercise counselling behaviour. Conclusions We propose three approaches to increase the level of physical activity in CADCC: Establishing personalized exercise counseling, intensifying information about disability sports programmes towards PHCPs, and improving inclusion and integration in PE lessons or regular sports clubs.

Benefits, Facilitators and Barrier Reductions in Physical Activity Programmes for People with Severe Mental Disorder: A Systematic Review.

The current high prevalence of people with Severe Mental Disorder and the high impact the latter has on their quality of life is one of the main problems in terms of health, as it affects both physical and mental health. One of the lines of action to intervene in these factors is the practice of physical activity, as this usually has a low level of participation due to different barriers. However, there are several facilitators that improve adherence to these practices. The main objectives of this work were (1) to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature on the possible benefits obtained by people with SMD from their participation in physical activity programmes; (2) to identify the characteristics of physical activity programmes and determine the barriers to their implementation that have been considered and (3) the facilitators incorporated. To meet these objectives, the SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, Dialnet and Elsevier online databases were consulted and, following the PRISMA statement, 17 articles were finally selected. Their analysis has revealed various physical, psychological and social benefits, as well as the barriers that appear in the intervention programmes, mostly related to personal factors and the programme itself, and those factors that facilitate their adherence or development, the most common being the carrying out of the activities outdoors, the inclusion of social components and the possibility of adapting the activities. In this way, the results obtained have made it possible to highlight the characteristics that should be taken into account when planning this type of intervention.

Physical Activity Climate and Health Beliefs Are Associated with Workplace Physical Activity Program Participation of Older Employees of a Public University

Objective: Physical activity and work ability are increasingly important topics due to aging of the modern workforce. Workplace physical activity programs can help attenuate the decline in physical resources that typically transpires with age yet, older employees are less likely to participate. The study’s primary aim was to understand how perceived benefits and barriers and physical activity climate are related to older employees’ participation in workplace physical activity programs. Methods: The inquiry design was a needs assessment utilizing an 18-item survey. Respondents consisted of 862 older employees (>55 years) of a public university in the southeastern United States. Differences in total subscale scores between sexes, program participation status, occupational category and physical activity were compared and contrasted. Results: Differences in perceived benefit and barrier scores between workplace physical activity program participants (N = 474) and non-participants (N = 388) were significant with a p-value 0.001. Physical activity climate scores were significantly different as well with a p-value of 0.003. All three subscale scores (benefits, barriers, climate) were also significantly different between physically active and inactive employees with a p value 0.001. Conclusions: The findings from this investigation suggest that employees’ participation in workplace physical activity programs is influenced by their individual beliefs and perceptions of social and organizational norms. Physical activity climate should be a primary consideration to promote workplace physical activity program participation among older employees. Additional recommendations to improve participation among older employees are discussed.

Organized Physical Activity Program Participation, Physical Activity, and Related Psychosocial Factors Among Urban Adolescents.

The study purpose was to examine whether adolescents who participated in organized physical activity (PA) programs differed from nonparticipants in motivation, social support, and self-efficacy related to PA; PA (min/hr); and sedentary screen time behavior. Thirty-nine 5th-7th grade adolescents participated in organized PA programs; 41 did not. Approximately 56.3% were Black, and 52.5% had annual family incomes <$20,000. Compared to nonparticipants, those who participated reported significantly higher social support (M = 2.32 vs. 3.13, p < .001) and fewer hours watching television or movies on a usual weekend day (M = 2.49 vs. 1.59, p = .016); and had higher accelerometer-measured vigorous PA (M = 0.58 vs. 1.04, p = .009) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (M = 2.48 vs. 3.45, p = .035). Involving adolescents in organized PA programs may be important for improving their moderate-to-vigorous PA, vigorous PA, and related psychosocial factors, as well as reducing sedentary screen time behavior.

Barriers and facilitators to physical education, sport, and physical activity program participation among children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: a systematic review.

Children and adolescents with heterogeneous psychiatric disorders, of whom over 50% have a second psychiatric comorbidity, have low rates of physical activity and experience unique challenges to engaging in community-based exercise programming, school-based physical education programming, and targeted physical activity interventions. This contributes to elevated rates of gross and fine motor delays, lower mood and self-regulation, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Perform a systematic scoping review of the literature to assess known barriers to and facilitators of engaging in physical activity programming among children and adolescents with heterogeneous and/or comorbid psychiatric disorders, in order to improve engagement among this population in real world intervention settings. Systematic Boolean diagnostic and physical activity search terms were entered into PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science for English-language studies published between 2005 and 2020, examining barriers and facilitators for common psychiatric diagnoses and general psychiatric population's engagement in physical activity, physical education, sports, or exercise interventions. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full articles to determine inclusion. A total of 5,198 articles were returned; 39 relating to children and adolescents were qualified for full-text review. After review, 24 studies were included addressing barriers and facilitators across multiple diagnoses; 7 studies were quantitative, 10 were qualitative, and 7 were mixed methods. Major barriers included low motivation, low self-efficacy, depleted parental reserve capacity, social isolation, lack of staff training, and safety concerns. Major facilitators included peer support/engagement, exergames, supportive parental behaviors, and inclusive/adaptive programming. Numerous barriers and facilitators to physical activity have been identified which should inform community, school, clinical, and research intervention program design. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies that address the challenges to inclusion that children and adolescents with heterogeneous and/or comorbid psychiatric disorders face.

Analysis of physical activity level and body awareness of mothers of children with special needs

We aimed to analyze physical activity level and body awareness of mothers of children with physical disability and to compare with mothers without a disabled child. A total of 102 participants including 51 mothers with a disabled child and 51 mothers without a disabled child were included (average age 38.59 ± 5.98). Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used as data collection tools. It was found that physical activity levels and body awareness of the mothers with a disabled child were lower than mothers without a disabled child. In conclusion, during rehabilitation of children with physical disability, mothers should become a part of the treatment, their participation in physical activity programs and body awareness training should be encouraged.

Cучасні підходи до корекції дефіциту маси тіла дівчат-підлітків засобами оздоровчого фітнесу

Мета. На основі аналізу фахової літератури, провідного вітчизняного та зарубіжногопрактичного досвіду вивчити сучасні підходи до корекції дефіциту маси тіла дівчат підлітковоговіку засобами оздоровчого фітнесу. Матеріали і методи. Використовували такі методи до-слідження: теоретичний аналіз спеціальної науково-методичної літератури, документальнихматеріалів, компаративний метод з метою зіставлення та аналізу зарубіжного й вітчизняногодосвіду з досліджуваної проблеми; абстрагування, логіко-теоретичний аналіз. Результати.Встановлено, що дефіцит маси тіла є характерним для значної кількості сучасних школярів(від 11 до 25 %). Незважаючи на значну поширеність недостатньої маси тіла серед дівчат-підлітків співставну з частотою надмірної ваги у розвинутих країнах, більшість програм,пов’язаних із здоров’ям, орієнтовані на профілактику ожиріння та боротьбу з ним, у той час,як проблема дефіциту маси тіла в цих програмах зазвичай не розглядається. Вітчизняніта зарубіжні дослідники звертають увагу на важливість своєчасної корекції недостатньоїмаси тіла. У дівчат з недостатньою масою тіла суттєво підвищується ризик остеопорозу,підлітки з недостатньою масою мають негативний образ тіла та характеризуються швидкоюстомлюваністю, частою захворюваністю, низькою навчальною успішністю, мають недостатнійрепродуктивний потенціал. Підлітки з недостатньою масою тіла мають більш низький рівеньфізичної підготовленості, що лімітує їх участь у програмах рухової активності. Як основні длякорекції фізичного стану дітей підліткового віку з дефіцитом маси тіла науковці рекомендуютьзасоби оздоровчого фітнесу, зокрема, фізичні вправи, спрямовані на збільшення м’язовоїмаси тіла, зміну харчового раціону, психокорекційні вправи. Висновки. З’ясовано, щопрограми оздоровчого фітнесу для дівчат-підлітків з дефіцитом маси тіла є недостатньообґрунтованими. Потребують додаткового вивчення питання, що стосуються недостатньоїмаси тіла дівчат, які мають значний попередній руховий досвід. З огляду на значну поширеністьта негативні наслідки недостатньої маси тіла для дівчат-підлітків, актуальним видаютьсядослідження, спрямовані на підвищення рівня фізичного стану та нормалізацію дефіциту маситіла даного контингенту на основі використання засобів фітнесу.

다문화청소년의 체육특기적성활동 참가와 교우관계 및 문화적응스트레스의 관계

다문화청소년의 체육특기적성활동 참가와 교우관계 및 문화적응스트레스의 관계

Association of leisure and occupational physical activities and health-related quality of life: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BackgroundLittle is known about the association between different levels of physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general Iranian population across sex groups. The current study aims to investigate the association between PA and HRQoL across sex groups, various types of physical activity (leisure time and occupational) and different dimensions of HRQoL in a large population of Tehranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Data was collected from 7800 adults on their PA habits and HRQoL. Information on PA and HRQoL were assessed using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) and Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), respectively. Poor HRQoL was defined as the first quartile of HRQoL scores and logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between physical activity levels and poor HRQoL.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 46.4 ± 14.9 years and 45.6% of them were male. Levels of PA were significantly associated with most subscales of HRQoL in both men (p < 0.05) and women (p < 0.01). In both sexes, leisure time PA was significantly correlated to all subscales of HRQoL (p < 0.05) except for bodily pain in both sexes and for social functioning and role emotional in men. In adjusted models, men with both moderate (OR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.18–2.04; p = 0.002) and low (OR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.11–1.91; p = 0.007) levels of PA had a significantly higher chance of reporting poor mental component summary (MCS) compared to their counterparts with high levels of PA. Furthermore, women with low levels of PA had a significantly higher chance of reporting poor physical component summary (PCS) (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.63–3.49; p < 0.001) compared to those with high levels of PA.ConclusionThe findings show an association between PA and both domains of HRQoL in men and mostly the physical domain in women, suggesting a sex-specific pattern for this association, which could be considered to motivate participation in PA programs in future health promotion interventions.

Perception of barriers and facilitators for users to participate in physical activity programs

In Brazil, physical activity is a priority area in health promotion in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The study aims to describe users' profiles and the barriers and facilitators in basic healthcare for participation in programs to promote physical activity. This was a statewide cross-sectional study in municipalities (counties) in Pernambuco State. Between 2 and 21 individuals were interviewed per municipality, using a previous tested instrument, validated in the following dimensions: sociodemographic; health status; participation; information on the program; reasons for participation; facilitators; barriers; and preference of activities. Descriptive and inferential analyses (chi-square) were performed. The sample consisted of 1,153 users, 35.9% of whom between 41-59 years of age; 90.1% lived in urban areas; 58.2% had participated in physical activities for at least a year. Weekly frequency of 3-4 days was 44.9%, and 71.1% practiced activities of an hour or more. The results showed that 40% of the barriers to participation in physical activity programs and 77.5% of the facilitators belonged to the intrapersonal domain. The most prevalent barrier was "current health condition" and the facilitator was the desire "to be healthier". Women perceived more barriers than men. The conclusion is that barriers and facilitators from the intrapersonal domain, related to health, are the main factors involved in users' engagement and retention in programs and interventions to promote physical activity, developed in basic healthcare services in the state of Pernambuco.

Ready to participate? Using qualitative data to typify older adults\u2019 reasons for (non-) participation in a physical activity promotion intervention

BackgroundA sufficient amount of regular moderate physical activity (PA), at least 2.5 h of moderate to vigorous PA per week as recommended by the WHO, is one of the most important lifestyle factors for maintaining good health in old age. However, less than one in four older adults (65 years or older) in Germany meets this recommendation for PA. Although previous research has found several factors related to participation in PA programmes, little is known about how these factors simultaneously affect participation decisions of older adults and how PA programmes can accommodate these dynamics. Taking an everyday life perspective, this study aimed to identify multidimensional types of PA behaviour among older adults.MethodsIn this qualitative study, 25 episodic interviews were conducted with participants and non-participants (ratio 1:3) of a structured PA intervention for older adults (65 years or older). Direct and indirect recruitment methods (e.g. pick up, gatekeeper) were used in different municipalities in Northwest Germany. The interviews were analysed according to the Grounded Theory methodology and a typology of PA participation behaviour was derived from the responses of the interviewees.ResultsFour types of PA participation behaviour were identified based on different activity goals and time management preferences: ‘Health designer’, ‘Flexible function-oriented type’, ‘Comparison and competition type’ and ‘Fun and wellness-oriented type’. The results indicate that the structured PA intervention was better able to reach the health designer and the competitive type but was less successful in accommodating the function- or wellness-oriented type.ConclusionsIn order to improve older adults’ participation in PA, preventive offers should take various activity goals and the desire for flexible time management in everyday life into account. The typology of PA participation behaviour contributes to a better understanding of the target group and can thus help to improve the development, communication and implementation of tailored PA interventions.

Programa de Revitalización Geriátrica: efectos sobre la cognición en adultos mayores de 60 años

Background and aimClinical evidence shows that elder individuals display with greater frequency diverse cognitive changes, minor and slightly incapacitating, related to mnesic functions and speed of thought and reasoning. Much scientific evidence supports the role that aerobic physical activity plays as fundamental to prevent or delay the onset of minor cognitive damage or dementia.The aim of this paper is to determine the lasting effect of improved cognitive status in healthy older adults six months after completing a geriatric revitalization programme (GRP). Material and methodsThe study population was recruited among participants in the Universidad de Salamanca GRP. Following the guidelines of the World Health Organization, subjects performed 3 weekly sessions of moderate physical exercise during the intervention period. The sample consisted of 35 subjects of both genders, all of them over 60 years old. For the selection of the sample, random sampling was carried out by conglomerates, where 3 associations of the total number of associations in the city were chosen at random, and in each of the group of people who were willing to follow the GRP. In order to assess the subjects’ neuropsychological capacities, a series of validated neuropsychological tests were included: Mini-Mental State Examination; Benton Visual Retention Test; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; Stroop Test; Trail Making Test. ResultsThe results show significant differences between the three assessments put into effect: after the intervention, performance improved in all variables assessed, and it returned to the initial scores after a period of physical inactivity. ConclusionsWe must find strategies to limit spans of physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyles in people over 65 by looking for ways to encourage participation in physical activity programmes.

Provider-Patient Communication and Involvement in Physical Activity Programs Among Patients Receiving Physical Therapy Services: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: To describe how physical therapy providers and their patients interact and communicate about physical activity (PA), and explore the barriers and facilitators to patient involvement in PA programs. Method: We conducted 39 direct observations of patient visits with physical therapy providers and 30 telephone interviews with physical therapists (PTs). We conducted a thematic analysis of observation field notes and interview transcripts. Results: PTs and patients engaged in several behaviors to build rapport, discussed PA type and frequency, and exchanged advice and information about PA. Barriers to patient participation in PA programs included low instrumental support, physical limitations, lack of motivation and confidence, and lack of knowledge about available programs. Facilitators included emotional support from friends, peers, and family, and encouragement and information-sharing from providers. Discussion: PTs play an important role in improving older adult PA and could be instrumental in reducing barriers to PA participation.

The National After-School Athletics Program Participation as a Tool to Reduce the Risk of Obesity in Adolescents after One Year of Intervention: A Nationwide Study.

Regular exercise during school hours is encouraged; however many children and adolescents fail to meet the recommendations during this time. Extracurricular activities may be a more appealing way for youth to achieve guidelines, and it is recommended that they attend two sessions each week. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of participation in a national physical activity program accompanied by nutritional education for trainers on the risk of obesity and body composition in a nationwide sample of boys and girls, after one year of intervention. The #goathletics Study was conducted in a group of 1014 adolescents aged 12–13: 507 individuals for the Athletics for All program (210 boys, 297 girls) and 507 pair-matched individuals not participating in any physical activity program (matching including: gender, age, city of residence). The body mass (kg), Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist circumference (WC) (cm), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (-) and body composition (%) (measured using bioelectrical impedance method) were compared in a gender-related sub-groups using t-Student test (for parametric distributions) or Mann-Whitney U test (for nonparametric distributions) and chi2 test (for the share of sub-groups). After one year of intervention, lower body mass percentile, BMI percentile, WC, WHtR and fat mass share, higher muscle mass share, as well as lower frequency of overweight/obesity and abdominal fat distribution were observed both for boys and girls participating in the physical activity intervention compared to the pair-matched controls. The after-school physical activity program accompanied by nutritional education for trainers may be a highly effective method for reducing the risk of obesity both for boys and girls, as regular participation is ensured.

Associations between sociodemographic and behaviour factors, and dietary risk factors for overweight and obesity, in Samoan women

Adults in Samoa have the third highest obesity prevalence in the world, and the prevalence is higher in women than men. The nutritional status of a household in most low- and middle-income countries is positively influenced by the level of control women have over financial resources. Our analysis examined how consumption of specific dietary groups was associated with different sociodemographic and individual health risk factor groups for women who participated in the 2014 Samoa Demographic and Health Survey.Our research question was explored through multivariate analysis of the 2014 Samoa Demographic and Health Survey dataset. The sociodemographic and health behaviour groups included in our analysis were: urban vs. rural residence, wealth quintile, education level, participation in physical activity program, lives with husband/partner, household size, parity, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The following diet variables were included: fruit, vegetables, seafood, high-fat food, sugary drinks, high-salt food, and high-sugar food consumption.There was a high prevalence of unhealthy food consumption and unhealthy dietary patterns among a) a large proportion of the population, and b) across sociodemographic and health behaviour groups, with a higher prevalence of particular at-risk patterns in some specific groups including women of younger age and women of higher wealth.Our analysis highlighted some specific opportunities for policy action, including the need to create an enabling environment for healthier food consumption for Samoan women.

Influence of Food Neophobia Level on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Its Association with Urban Area of Residence and Physical Activity in a Nationwide Case-Control Study of Polish Adolescents.

Among the factors that may influence fruit and vegetable intake, there is a food neophobia level, but the other elements, including physical activity and place of residence, must also be taken into account as interfering ones. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between food neophobia level and the intake of fruits and vegetables in a nationwide case-control study of Polish adolescents (12–13 years), including the influence of gender, the physical activity program participation and the place of residence. The #goathletics Study was conducted among a group of 1014 adolescents, 507 individuals representative for a nationwide physical activity program “Athletics for All” participants (characterized by an active lifestyle) and 507 pair-matched individuals (characterized by sedentary behavior), while 502 were representative for urban and 512 for suburban area. The assessment of food neophobia level was based on the Food Neophobia Scale questionnaire and the assessment of fruit and vegetable intake was based on the validated food frequency questionnaire. It was observed that higher food neophobia level is associated with a lower fruit and vegetable intake, that was stated both for girls and boys, as well as both for individuals characterized by an active lifestyle and those characterized by sedentary behavior, both from urban and suburban area. Food neophobic individuals characterized by an active lifestyle and those from urban areas were characterized by a higher fruit intake than individuals characterized by sedentary behavior and those from suburban areas, from the same food neophobia category. It was found that food neophobia may reduce fruit and vegetable intake, but the physical activity education with peers may reduce the observed influence and should be applied especially in the case of neophobic individuals from suburban areas.

The Relationship Between Israeli Youth Participation in Physical Activity Programs and Antisocial Behavior

Many intervention programs, including physical activity programs, have been developed to deal with youth involvement in delinquency. The current study explored whether youth participation in sport and physical activity programs reduces their involvement in delinquent behaviors. It examined the interaction effects of the features of the sports program with participation in the sports program. The sample consisted of 126 Israeli adolescents aged 13–18 (M = 15.68, SD = 1.32) who completed questionnaires about involvement in delinquency at the beginning of their sports program and again 6 months later. We found significant reductions in adolescents’ involvement in all the delinquent acts explored: crimes against a person; crimes against property, and public disorder crimes. However, no interaction effects were found between program features (sport type; program intensity; training and supervision in the program; and interaction with community services) and participation in the sports program. The findings highlight the importance of including sports programs in the interventions provided for at-risk youth and call for further investigation of the factors that may increase the benefits provided by participation in physical activity programs.

Factors influencing women in physical activity programs in Malaysia.

The majority of research on factors associated with women participation in physical activity (PA) has been in developed countries with limited research in developing countries. Few women in Malaysia are active at the recommended levels for health, and activity rates are less than developed countries. Little research has focused specially on physically active Malaysian women and the factors that contribute to them becoming and staying active in PA programs. This lack of knowledge hinders the tailored development and implementation of PA programs to meet their needs. The aim of this study was to identify the factors of participation in PA programs for Malaysian women. The social-ecological model was used to investigate and theme the factors. Focus group discussion was conducted with participants in six PA programs targeted specifically to women. Thirty-seven women were involved in the focus group discussion, with ages ranging from 19 to 82 years. Inductive and deductive content analysis was conducted from verbatim transcripts using NVivo. Inductive content analysis allowed raw data and second-order themes to emerge. Findings revealed social support structures, tailored programs for women, and location were key contributors that encouraged women to participate in these programs. The similarity in contributors between women in non-western and western countries signifies a prime opportunity for bi-lateral relationships to be formed to enable the enhancement of program development relevant to different ethnicities and cultures within or across countries.

Situación actual de la actividad física para personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar la situación de la actividad física adaptada para personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid. Para ello, se analizaron las fuentes oficiales de 2014 relativas a la demografía y a la participación en programas de actividad física. Los resultados indicaron un censo de 307.880 personas con discapacidad en la región (4,7 % de la población), siendo la discapacidad física la más representativa. Menos del 2,53 % de las personas con discapacidad practicaba deporte federado y el 21,49 % de los ciudadanos de Madrid con discapacidad disfrutaron del “Carné Especial” que da acceso a las instalaciones deportivas municipales. Sin embargo, no se encontraron indicadores de práctica físico-deportiva recreativa o saludable de personas con discapacidad en la Comunidad de Madrid. Estos resultados sugieren mejorar los indicadores de seguimiento oficiales y establecer pautas de acción que respondan al perfil demográfico analizado.