Social Support Initiatives That Facilitate Exercise Participation in Community Gyms for People with Disability: A Scoping Review

Rachel A. Kennedy (), Georgia McKenzie, Carlee Holmes and Nora Shields ()
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Rachel A. Kennedy: Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia
Georgia McKenzie: Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia
Carlee Holmes: CP Achieve Centre of Research Excellence, Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia
Nora Shields: Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-22

Abstract: People with disability report social support facilitates participation in physical activity. A scoping review explored social support strategies used to facilitate exercise participation for people with disability (aged ≥ 15 years) in community gym settings. Seven electronic databases were searched. Studies were screened for eligibility based on title and abstract followed by full-text review. Data were analysed using content analysis and narrative synthesis. Forty-two articles reporting data from 35 studies were included. Eight types of social support were identified: supervision ( n = 30), peer support ( n = 21), specialist support ( n = 19), orientation ( n = 15), education ( n = 7), logistical support ( n = 6), motivational support ( n = 5) and organised social activities ( n = 4). Direct supervision was typically provided 1:1 or in small groups by staff experienced working with people with disability. Peer support typically involved support from exercise group participants or a peer mentor. Specialist support was usually provided by a health or exercise professional either directly to people with disability or to the people providing support to them (e.g., trainer). Orientation to the gym environment, equipment and exercise program was usually provided over 1 or 2 sessions. Gym staff may use these strategies to guide the implementation of social supports within their facilities to promote social connectedness and participation for people with disability.

Keywords: physical activity; fitness; adolescents; young adults; supervision; recreation centre; peer support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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