Uncovering disparities in physical activity in Georgia: Recommendations to improve accessibility and inclusion for adults with disabilities

Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, colon and breast cancers, and depression.¹ Furthermore, regular physical activity has shown to be effective in the prevention of chronic disease and premature death.^2,3 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Disability and Health Data System, adults with disabilities in the US have significantly lower rates of physical activity than the general population.⁴ This disparity has been attributed to many factors, including the inaccessibility of natural and built environments, equipment, and resources; high financial cost of facilities and programs; and lack of appropriate training for fitness and health professionals.⁵

The disparity in physical activity rates between adults with and without disabilities is pronounced in the state of Georgia, where in 2011, only 41.1% of adults with disabilities reported sufficient aerobic physical activity, compared with 53.8% of adults without disabilities; 40.2% of Georgia’s adults with disabilities reported being inactive, compared with 24.4% of adults without disabilities.⁴

To identify proximal and distal barriers to and facilitators of participation in physical activity, qualitative interviews were conducted with adults with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65 in Georgia (N=30). A scoping review of current programs intended to improve physical activity levels available for adults in Georgia was conducted. An analysis of the interviews and programmatic review resulted in the development of recommendations for improving the accessibility and inclusion of adults with disabilities in these programs.