The demographic and disability characteristics of individuals who regularly attend an urban adaptive fitness center: An observational study

Introduction: While it is well known that regular physical activity provides significant physical and psychosocial health benefits, people with disabilities have disproportionately lower rates of exercise compared to the able-bodied population. Reduced levels of physical activity can put this population at an increased risk of chronic health conditions, highlighting the importance of ensuring that our communities have accessible adaptive fitness opportunities. Objectives: To evaluate the demographic and disability characteristics in individuals who regularly attend a specialized urban adaptive fitness center, to provide foundational understanding about the population that uses such resources. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Specialized urban adaptive fitness center. Participants: Sixty-three (n = 63) participants who regularly attend an urban Adaptive Sports and Fitness Center. Intervention: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: World Health Organization (WHO) Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0, evaluating disability in six domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation. Results were converted into scores ranging from 0 (no disability) to 100 (total disability) and compared to WHO published norms for the general population and a demographics intake form. Results: Participants with mean age of 52.9 ±14.3 years were grouped into three diagnostic categories: spinal cord injury (30.2%), traumatic brain injury/stroke (36.5%), and other neurologic disease/chronic medical disease (33.3%). A total of 45.9% live alone, 96.8% exercise at least twice/week, and 43.5% participate in adaptive sports. Participants travel 8.0 miles on average for attendance. WHODAS disability summary score was 26.48 (86th percentile). Conclusions: Although adaptive fitness center participants had a higher level of disability than 80% to 90% of the general population, regular participation was realistic and feasible. Further understanding of the barriers in those who do not engage in such facilities is needed.