Physical activity is for everyone: a call to action for education and knowledge mobilisation to optimise the continuum of services for people with mobility disabilities in Québec, Canada

Abstract

Approximately 2.7 million Canadians live with mobility disabilities. There is scientific documentation describing the importance of physical activity for maintaining or increasing functional capacity, which can support mobility and enhance social participation for people with mobility disabilities. However, numerous barriers continue to restrict participation in community-based physical activity for people with mobility disabilities. It is critical to address these barriers now. A consensus activity was conducted to identify challenges and solutions to overcome the barriers to physical activity promotion among people with mobility disabilities in Quebec, Canada. Three challenges were identified: (1) better services and communication continuum between research, clinical and community organisations, (2) enhanced knowledge mobilisation between research, clinical and community settings and (3) more education for healthcare professionals and community knowledge users regarding mobility and physical activity. Research priorities should focus on developing, testing and implementing existing interventions and programmes to ensure accessible physical activity and to facilitate participation in community settings for people with mobility disabilities.

Activation and Support for the Development of People With Physical Disabilities in the Opinion of the Residents of the Social Welfare Home in Szczecin

“…Considering the above, the priority in striving for the proper quality of life of people with special needs, in particular with mobility disabilities, is to provide this population with the opportunity to participate in sports activities and access to devices in order to undertake physical activity tailored to their individual needs [13,14]. The designed devices should be available in publicly accessible activities and recreation zones.…”