The Co-Design of a Community Physical Activity Promotion Program for People With Moderate to Profound Disability, The...

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Public Health
• Allied Health

Background:

• Individuals with moderate to profound disabilities have low physical activity (PA) levels, impacting health.
• Promoting PA is crucial for improving well-being in this population.
• Existing PA models require adaptation for effective community-based delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt a best-practice PA promotion model for community Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
• To increase PA participation among clients with moderate to profound disabilities.
• To ensure the adapted model is tailored to the specific needs of the target population.

Main Methods:

• Co-design workshops involving four individuals with lived experience and 12 AHPs.
• Eight workshops were conducted and data analyzed using inductive content analysis.
• Iterative modifications were made based on participant feedback and expert input.

Main Results:

• The co-design process yielded key modifications to the PA promotion model.
• Adaptations included flexible program duration, focus on social networks, enhanced AHP support for behavior change, and broader PA goals.
• A tailored PA promotion program for community AHPs was successfully developed.

Conclusions:

• The adapted PA promotion program is suitable for delivery by community AHPs to people with moderate to profound disabilities.
• The program's flexibility and focus on social support enhance its potential for sustained PA participation.
• Recommendations are provided for successful community implementation of the program.