The current physical activity in persons with disability in Qatar: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for overall health, yet often under-researched in disability populations.
• Understanding activity levels and sedentary behavior in individuals with disabilities is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify physical activity levels among persons with disabilities in Qatar.
• To assess sedentary behavior duration in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Qatar.
• Data were collected from October 2020 to December 2021.
• 96 individuals with diverse disabilities participated.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant improvement in psychological and emotional well-being was reported by 61.5% of participants engaging in physical activity.
• 71% felt physically better after sports, and 65% enjoyed the social aspects.
• Participants included individuals with amputations, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and developmental impairments.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity has a positive impact on the emotional and physical well-being of persons with disabilities.
• While most preferred exercising alone, the study noted lower participation in team activities, though not statistically significant due to sample size.
• Findings underscore the benefits of exercise and sports for individuals with disabilities.