Improving Communication of Information About Physical Activity Opportunities for People With Disabilities

One significant barrier to physical activity (PA) for people with disabilities is the lack of access to PA information. The purpose of this study was to explore how access to PA information can be improved for people with disabilities, their carers, and PA-session facilitators. To investigate the flow of PA information within a communication network, principles derived from knowledge translation were used: information audiences, messengers, methods, and effectiveness. Participants included 48 people with disabilities (34 male and 14 female; mean age 30 years), 34 carers, and 12 session facilitators. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show how communication of PA information can be improved by indicating practical value in understanding individual motivations to PA participation, including credible messengers, using multiple delivery methods, and expanding information networks. Future steps are offered, including practical implications resulting from this study to improve PA information flow within a network.