Exercise and physical activity in persons aging with a physical disability.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Disability Studies
• Gerontology

Background:

• Physical functioning and physical activity exhibit a reciprocal relationship, influencing each other.
• High rates of physical inactivity are prevalent among aging individuals with disabilities.
• This dynamic has significant implications for rehabilitation practices and outcome evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of physical activity in rehabilitation for individuals aging with disabilities.
• To highlight the need for community-based physical activity integration into recovery and maintenance.
• To advocate for identifying specific physical activity 'doses' for various disabilities and secondary conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the interplay of physical functioning and activity in aging populations with disabilities.
• Analysis of current rehabilitation practices and outcome measurement challenges.
• Discussion of policy implications for health insurers and healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Physical activity is essential for maintaining and improving physical functioning in aging adults with disabilities.
• Integrating community-based physical activity is vital for long-term rehabilitation success.
• Evidence-based outcome data is required for insurance reimbursement of physical activity programs.

Conclusions:

• Rehabilitation strategies must incorporate physical activity to enhance long-term physical functioning in aging individuals with disabilities.
• Further research is needed to establish precise physical activity guidelines tailored to specific disabilities.
• Health insurers require robust evidence to support reimbursement for physical activity interventions.