Mission Impossible? Physical Activity Programming for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

A pilot study was conducted to describe the physical activity experiences and perceived benefits of and barriers to physical activity participation for patrons of a homeless shelter. The resulting pilot data may be used to inform the creation of and support for physical activity and sport programs for those experiencing homelessness.

Eighteen male patrons of a homeless shelter completed self-report questionnaires to assess psychosocial factors: global self-esteem, general self-efficacy, exercise intention and attitudes, and quality of life. Fitness tests were completed to determine participants' body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and general body strength. Interviews probed participants' social support, motivations, perceived benefits, and preferences related to physical activity.

Participants scored far below the acceptable range on the sit-and-reach test of flexibility. There were moderate correlations between several of the psychosocial variables and some of the fitness parameters.

The participants could benefit from initiating a varied exercise program to increase their flexibility. Future research should explore intervention on psychosocial variables that may influence other psychosocial variables as well as fitness parameters. Despite limitations of a small sample size and limited access to fitness facilities, the preliminary evidence suggests that patrons of a homeless shelter are open to physical activity experiences and that the benefits may go beyond improving physical fitness levels.