Exercise Barrier Severity and Perseverance of Active Youth With Physical Disabilities

Minsoo Kang, Weimo Zhu, Brian G. Ragan & Michael Frogley

The authors investigated perceived exercise and physical activity barriers of young people with physical disabilities by taking a sample of 145 youth – 117 males and 28 females between the ages of 12-19 years. The investigators estimated barriers severity by using a 46 item instrument.

Except for 1 item, the data fit well as determined by Infit and Outfit statistics, and it was found that lack of time and pain or discomfort were the most difficult barriers to exercise. Also noted was that the elder participants demonstrated higher exercise perserverance than the younger; however no differences in scores were found between genders or according to the National Wheelchair Basketball association classification.

In conclusion, it is suggested that these barriers be removed from future exercise and physical activity aimed at this population.

Rehabilitation Psychology, 2007 52(2) 170-176

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