Beyond barriers: Women living with disabilities and their participation in exercise programs.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 142
ISBN-13: 9780494214121
Description: Exercise participation among women living with disabilities is often limited as a result of pain, decreased muscle strength and limited mobility, and this inactivity may increase their risk of developing secondary health conditions. More 'disabling' than these symptoms however, is a lack of accessible exercise facilities in women's communities. The purpose of this study was to explore how the material and social structures and functions existing and operating within community-based exercise programs affect the participation of women living with disabilities. Grounded theory was used to analyze interviews conducted with women living with disabilities involved in community-based exercise programs. Women discussed their reasons for exercise, experiences related to transportation, and exercise facilities' accessibility involving issues related to the built environment, exercise programs, equipment and staff members' disability-related knowledge and attitudes. Women's suggestions for program improvement, emphasizing the need for universal accessibility, appropriate staff training and community-based programs are also presented.Keywords: women, disability, exercise, health promotion, qualitative methods
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1489.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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