Habitual physical activity and its determinants - experiences from the perspective of children using wheelchairs

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Selina Seemueller
  • Franziska Beck
  • Frederik Buekers
  • Claus Krieger
  • Anne Kerstin Reimers
Physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits for children using wheelchairs. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to get a comprehensive overview of their PA behaviour and its determinants. Seven boys and five girls aged 7–11 years participated in semi-structured interviews, exploring type, duration, setting and intensity of weekly PA. Using a qualitative content analysis determinants and participants’ PA were identified and categorized into organized and unorganized settings based on a socioecological model (SEM). Main Barriers included inadequate physical environments, acceptance from peers and insufficient competence of teachers and coaches. Public places and schools need to be more accessible and should increase offers of inclusive sports programmes. The study provides novel insights into PA patterns and influencing factors and highlights the need for more supportive and inclusive environments. Future research should further explore therapy as an additional source of PA.
Original languageEnglish
Article number2543012
JournalInternational Journal of Adolescence and Youth
Volume30
Issue number1
Number of pages21
ISSN0267-3843
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31.12.2025
Externally publishedYes

Recently viewed

Researchers

  1. Tim Wende