Many people with disabilities are not getting enough exercise because fitness centers do not have the right equipment or staff trained to assist them, according to a new study.
It was found that most commercial gyms make little effort to promote fitness for people with disabilities, explained Alexandra Jamieson, a research scientist at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute.
“The main obstacles to fitness are accessibility and cost,” Jamieson said in a university news release. “Standard gyms are not required by law to have adaptive machines for users with different abilities. Also, there is often a lack of data on the demand for these adaptive machines, making it hard for gyms to justify the higher costs of adding them.”
About one in every six people (16%) lives with a significant disability that affects their daily life, the researchers noted. However, only about 40% of disabled individuals engage in regular physical activity.
As a result, they are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer, and are at higher risk for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.
“Many people with disabilities struggle with psychological issues such as low self-esteem and negative body image, which can further reduce their motivation to participate in exercise activities, especially in public places like gyms,” Jamieson said.
Disabled individuals also face problems getting to and from a gym. Although ride-sharing and disabled transit services are available, they are not always reliable or equipped to help people with disabilities, the researchers noted.
Home gyms are a popular option for the disabled, but the lower demand for adaptive equipment means that it tends to be expensive, Jamieson said.
Expanding government assistance programs to help the disabled afford home gym equipment could help, Jamieson suggested. “Medicaid does have purchasing assistance programs for people with disabilities to buy assistive technology, but they are not well known and only cover exercise machines that are deemed medically necessary by a doctor.”
Jamieson is collaborating with others to create an accessible exercise machine with a video game component to keep users engaged while monitoring their activity.
Disease Condition Explained:
Disabilities can range from physical to mental limitations that impact daily life activities. Some common causes include birth defects, injuries, chronic illnesses, and aging. Important symptoms can include difficulty in moving, hearing, seeing, or learning. These disabilities can lead to reduced physical activity, which in turn can cause health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Ways to treat and manage disabilities vary widely but can include physical therapy, medication, assistive devices (like wheelchairs or hearing aids), and psychological counseling. Regular exercise is crucial and can be adapted to individual needs with the help of specialized equipment and trained professionals. Alternative and complementary treatments like yoga, acupuncture, and homeopathy can also provide benefits.
Key Insights:
- Disabled individuals face major barriers in accessing fitness facilities due to lack of adaptive equipment and trained staff.
- Many disabled people do not engage in regular physical activity, increasing their risk for chronic and mental illnesses.
- Psychological issues such as low self-esteem further hinder their motivation to exercise.
- Home gyms are an option but are often expensive due to the low demand for adaptive equipment.
- Government assistance programs could help make home gym equipment more affordable for disabled individuals.
- Innovative solutions, like accessible exercise machines with engaging components, are being developed.
Source: The review was published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation.