Longitudinal Examination of Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Participation, and Social Inclusion Upon Joining a Community-based LTPA Program for Adults With Physical Disabilities

Objective: First, to examine whether participants reported changes in (1) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation and social inclusion variables and (2) well-being outcomes before and after joining a community-based LTPA program for adults with physical disabilities. Second, to explore the longitudinal relationship between LTPA and the other aforementioned outcomes. Design: A double baseline longitudinal design with measurements at 4-6 weeks (baseline 1) and immediately (baseline 2) before and 2 and 4 months after joining the community-based LTPA program. Setting: Community. Participants: Adults (N=43) with a physical disability who reported no cognitive impairment, were new members of the community-based LTPA program, and spoke English or French. Interventions: A community-based physical activity program for adults with physical disabilities. Participants were provided an individualized exercise program and accessed the program at designated times during the week. Main Outcome Measures: Primary: LTPA (LTPA Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury), participation (Patient-Perceived Participation in Daily Activities Questionnaire), and social inclusion. Secondary: depression severity, self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction. Results: After joining the program, participants reported an increase in total LTPA (mean(baseline2), 177.80 +/- 211.32; mean(2months), 299.31 +/- 298.70; mean(4months), 288.14 +/- 292.14), moderate-to-vigorous LTPA (mean(baseline2), 83.95 +/- 123.95; mean(2months), 142.00 +/- 198.38; mean(4months), 163.23 +/- 182.08), and participation in health (mean(baseline2), 6.24 +/- 1.16; mean(2months), 6.58 +/- 1.25; mean(4months), 6.97 +/- 0.82) and family-related activities (mean(baseline2), 12.18 +/- 2.43; mean(2months), 12.60 +/- 2.30; mean(4months), 13.47 +/- 2.01). A significant increase (beta=3.46, P<.001) in social inclusion before joining the program was followed by a decrease (beta=-1.09, P<.05) 4 months later. Improvements related to depression severity were noted (beta(baseline1-baseline2)=-1.51, P<.05; beta(baseline2-months)=-0.28, P>.05). Conclusions: The results support the role of a community-based LTPA program in increasing LTPA levels and enhancing participation in some activities among adults with physical disabilities. (C) 2021 The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to examine the impact of a community-based leisure-time physical activity program on adults with physical disabilities. Results showed an increase in LTPA levels and participation in some activities among participants after joining the program, but a decrease in social inclusion was observed.