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Assessment of Functional Capacity in Adults With Disability: The Role of Gender and Disability Type in a
Josu Ascondo1, Bingen Marcos-Rivero1, Cristina Granados1
1GIKAFIT Research Group and AKTIBOki: Research Group in Physical Activity, Physical Exercise and Sport, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain.
Abstract:
This study evaluated the functional capacity of adults with disabilities in a cross-sectional design, examining differences by gender and disability type. Participants included 73 adults (46 women and 27 men) with physical disabilities (PD), intellectual and mental disabilities (IMD), or functional limitations due to cancer (CD). Functional capacity was assessed using the Evaluation of Functionality in Disabled Population, measuring neuromuscular function, combined actions, acceleration, balance, and cardiorespiratory function. Men showed higher strength test scores. Significant differences emerged between CD and IMD groups in combined actions and balance, with CD outperforming IMD. In the walking test, CD participants demonstrated superior results compared with PD and IMD groups in distance covered, heart rate, stride length, and pace. This study confirmed gender and disability-specific differences in functional capacity, with men showing higher performance and PD and IMD groups presenting greater limitations. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based, tailored exercise interventions that address both gender and disability type, with the aim of improving functional autonomy.
