Kelly P. Arbour, Ph.D., Kathleen A. Martin Ginis, Ph.D., The SHAPE-SCI Research Group
Department of Kinesiology, Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4K1
Disability and Health Journal, July 2009 Volume 2, Issue 3, Pages 128–135
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2009.01.003
Abstract
Background
Within the general able-bodied population, proximity of one’s home to physical activity facilities is modestly associated with physical activity behavior. Currently, no research has examined whether facility proximity is related to physical activity among persons living with disabilities.
Objective
To examine (1) the level of agreement between perceived and actual proximity to accessible physical activity facilities and (2) the relationship between facility proximity (perceived and actual) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). It was hypothesized that (1) perceived and actual proximity measures would exhibit low agreement and (2) a small, positive relationship would emerge between proximity (perceived and actual) and LTPA.
Methods
Data from 50 Ontario residents living with SCI (70% male; 52% tetraplegia) were collected for proximity and LTPA. Perceived facility proximity was determined by a self-report “YES” versus “NO” presence measure, while actual facility proximity was assessed using Geographical Information Systems. An SCI-specific instrument, the PARA-SCI, was used to measure LTPA.
Results
Low agreement levels were found between perceived and actual proximity. LTPA status (active versus inactive) was shown to moderate the relationship, with higher agreement levels found for participants who reported engaging in mild or heavy LTPA versus their inactive counterparts, but only for the 30-minute wheeling boundary. Contrary to hypothesis, people living within a 30-minute wheel from an accessible facility were less likely to engage in heavy LTPA than were people who did not have an accessible facility located within a 30-minute wheel. No significant associations were found between LTPA and perceived proximity.
Conclusions
Living in close proximity to a facility that provides accessible programming and equipment does not necessarily translate into greater physical activity behavior.