Factors Influencing Motives for Sport Participation of People with Physical Disabilities in Madrid: Reflections to Promote an Active Living

Abstract

People with disabilities (PWD) present a much lower physical activity (PA) and sport practice rate than those who do not present this condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for physical sport practice in a sample of residents of the community of Madrid with physical disabilities in order to provide suggestion to promote active living from results. Participants were 117 physical activity practitioners (33% women and 67% men) between 15 and 74 years old with certified physical disability greater than 33%. The Motives for Physical Activity Measure - Revised questionnaire (MPAM-R) was administered online through disability service providers’ collaboration. “Fitness” and “enjoyment” reasons were the dimensions that scored the highest, while the “appearance” and “disability” dimensions were the least valued. Mostly no significant differences were found regarding gender, age, education level, percentage of disability or possession of a sport license. However, when significant differences were found the mostly depended on the practice of sports and PA and interest in sports and PA, followed by the possession of a sports license, with occasional differences by the educational level of respondents, their age or their gender. Understanding (physical) disability from and individual/personal level, but also from a social/contextual perspective makes necessary to further research why people engage in PA and sport, especially in the case for PWD as barriers to actively engage in active lifestyles are predominant nowadays still.

Keywords

• physical activity
• inclusion
• health
• disability
• sport psychology