‘You have to make it accessible and it’s really not’: priority actions to support disabled people to be physically active.

AbstractPurposeMaterials and MethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDisabled people are more likely than non-disabled people to be physically inactive, placing them at increased risk of ill-health. Many disabled people want to be more physically active yet feel there is inadequate support to do so. Evidence on the tangible actions that would support disabled people to be active is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the key actions that would best support disabled people’s participation in physical activity.Twenty-one disabled people (62% >45 years, 48% male) were purposively sampled to take part in online focus groups (2-6 participants per group). Six focus groups were undertaken using a semi-structured guide, with transcripts thematically analysed.Thirteen themes were identified across four levels of the ecological model - interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy. Priority actions include mandatory training on how to support disabled people, improvements to the accessibility of facilities and equipment, improved frequency of public transport to activity centres, and actions to improve societal attitudes towards disabled people.A systems-based approach is needed, combining actions across levels of the ecological model, to ensure equitable access to physical activity for disabled people.Physical activity is an effective rehabilitative method of improving symptoms and quality of life.Lack of accessible facilities, equipment, and social support can hinder disabled people’s participation in physical activity.Alongside improvements to facilities, better training for activity centre staff and instructors is required to increase the opportunities for disabled people to engage in physical activity.Physical activity is an effective rehabilitative method of improving symptoms and quality of life.Lack of accessible facilities, equipment, and social support can hinder disabled people’s participation in physical activity.Alongside improvements to facilities, better training for activity centre staff and instructors is required to increase the opportunities for disabled people to engage in physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]