Physical activity type and duration in disabled and non-disabled adults

Disabled people are more likely to be physically inactive than non-disabled people, yet limited research has explored the types of physical activities that disabled people participate in.

This study describes the types of physical activities that disabled people participate in, and compares activity frequency and duration to non-disabled people.

Using cross-sectional data from the 2018/19 Sport England Active Lives survey, participants were categorised into three groups (disability - substantial effect on daily activities; disability - non-substantial effect on daily activities; no disability), and activity types were grouped into 17 categories including athletic, leisure, and swimming. Chi-squared tests and multivariable linear regression were used to compare participation in each activity category across the sub-groups.

Of 158,995 participants, 18% (n=29,057) had a disability that had a substantial effect on daily activities, 21% (n=33,004) had a disability with a non-substantial effect on daily activities, and 61% (n=96,934) had no disability. Leisure was the most frequently reported activity type and of longest duration (median (interquartile range) mins/day: disability - substantial effect on daily activities: 315 (120-700); disability - non-substantial effect on daily activities: 390 (180-750); no disability: 375 (165-750)). Whilst activity duration was typically higher among people with no disability, artistic activities and swimming were higher for people with a disability that had a substantial effect on daily activities.

Activity choices were similar among sub-groups, however participation rates and activity duration were typically lower among disabled people. Reducing inequalities in physical activity participation will require improved access, opportunities, and support.