Physical activity behaviour up to 1 year post-rehabilitation among adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases: results of the prospective cohort study ReSpAct

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known of physical activity behaviour among adults with a disability and/or chronic disease during and up to 1 year post-rehabilitation. We aimed to explore (1) dose characteristics of physical activity behaviour among adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases during that period, and (2) the effects of personal characteristics and diagnosis on the development of physical activity over time.MethodsAdults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases (N=1256), enrolled in the Rehabilitation, Sports and Active lifestyle study, were followed with questionnaires: 3–6 weeks before (T0) and 14 (T1), 33 (T2) and 52 (T3) weeks after discharge from rehabilitation. Physical activity was assessed with the adapted version of the Short Questionnaire to ASsess Health enhancing physical activity. Dose characteristics of physical activity were descriptively analysed. Multilevel regression models were performed to assess physical activity over time and the effect of personal and diagnosis characteristics on physical activity over time.ResultsMedian total physical activity ranged from 1545 (IQR: 853–2453) at T0 to 1710 (IQR: 960–2730) at T3 min/week. Household (495–600 min/week) and light-intensity (900–998 min/week) activities accrued the most minutes. Analyses showed a significant increase in total physical activity moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity and work/commuting physical activity for all time points (T1–T3) compared with baseline (T0). Diagnosis, age, sex and body mass index had a significant effect on baseline total physical activity.ConclusionPhysical activity is highly diverse among adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases. Understanding this diversity in physical activity can help improve physical activity promotion activities.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Social Isolation among Adults with Physical Disabilities Living in Canada and The Netherlands

“…This secondary data analysis study used a quantitative cross-sectional study design using data from two studies: the COVID-19 Disability Survey in Canada (www.disabili tysurvey.ca, accessed on 7 December 2022) and the ReSpAct (Rehabilitation, Sports and Active Lifestyle) 2.0 study in the Netherlands [30,35]. The Research Ethics Board of the University of British Columbia gave approval for the COVID-19 Disability Survey (Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/z4gr2, accessed on 7 December 2022).…”

“…A possible explanation for these high PA levels and relatively lower negative impact of the pandemic reported by Dutch participants is that the Dutch survey was conducted as part of the ongoing ReSpAct study. ReSpAct participants took part in the RSE program in which they received PA counseling during and after their rehabilitation treatment 6-8 years ago [30]. They were supported to maintain a physically active lifestyle after discharge from rehabilitation [30].…”

“…ReSpAct participants took part in the RSE program in which they received PA counseling during and after their rehabilitation treatment 6-8 years ago [30]. They were supported to maintain a physically active lifestyle after discharge from rehabilitation [30]. While the Dutch cohort may be a selective, non-representative sample in terms of their PA interests and motivation towards an active lifestyle [30], it is encouraging that many of the Dutch participants reported high levels of PA during the pandemic.…”

“…They were supported to maintain a physically active lifestyle after discharge from rehabilitation [30]. While the Dutch cohort may be a selective, non-representative sample in terms of their PA interests and motivation towards an active lifestyle [30], it is encouraging that many of the Dutch participants reported high levels of PA during the pandemic. Our findings from the 6-8 years follow-up study are promising in terms of the potential long-term outcomes of integrating PA promising strategies during and after rehabilitation.…”

“…The ReSpAct cohort is known as a relatively active cohort of PWD. During the pandemic, ReSpAct participants were invited to complete a survey on PA and social isolation [30]. We do not know whether ReSpAct participants are able to sustain their high levels of PA during pandemic.…”