Physical Activity, Well-Being, and the Needs of Canadians with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cameron M. Gee (), Femke Hoekstra, Joan Úbeda-Colomer, Tara Joy Knibbe, Pinder DaSilva and Kathleen A. Martin Ginis
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Cameron M. Gee: International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
Femke Hoekstra: International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
Joan Úbeda-Colomer: Departament d’Educació Física i Esportiva, Universitat de València, 46010 València, Spain
Tara Joy Knibbe: Abilities Centre, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2, Canada
Pinder DaSilva: Abilities Centre, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2, Canada
Kathleen A. Martin Ginis: International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada

Disabilities, 2022, vol. 2, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: Background : This study examined self-reported physical activity (PA) participation, well-being, and perceived needs of Canadians with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we assessed physical and mental health and the extent to which pre-identified needs were being met or unmet. Methods : Two iterations of the COVID-19 Disability Survey were conducted during two pandemic timeframes: June–December 2020 (iteration 1, n = 599) and December 2020–September 2021 (iteration 2, n = 528). PA participation was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical and mental health were assessed with the PROMIS Global-10 questionnaire. A needs assessment was conducted on 11 needs pre-identified in partnership with community organizations. Results : Approximately 50% of respondents to both iterations reported that they did not do any moderate-vigorous intensity PA. While physical health was not different between timeframes, mental health was worse during iteration 2 than iteration 1 ( p = 0.028). During both timeframes, access to recreation and leisure facilities was the greatest unmet need. Conclusion: These data highlight the low levels of PA and the perceived changes in PA, mental health, and recreational needs of Canadians with disabilities during the pandemic. The findings of the Survey were used to support policy change to remove barriers to PA participation for people with disabilities in Ontario.

Keywords: disability; accessibility; physical activity; exercise; mental health; COVID; pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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