Measurement and classification of disability in large-scale physical activity related studies: a scoping review

Mini-Oral Presentation B2.15

Authors

  • Shelby Carr University of East Anglia
  • Andrew J. Atkin University of East Anglia
  • Andy Jones University of East Anglia
  • Karen Milton University of East Anglia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.622

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Disability, Impairment, Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Evidence on the prevalence and determinants of physical activity in disabled people is limited; this may partly stem from limitations in how disability is assessed in research studies. One challenge is that the traditional medical perspective towards disability focuses solely on a person’s diagnosed condition and fails to acknowledge the heterogeneity in the level and type of impairment experienced by people with the same condition. Purpose: This scoping review explores how disability and impairment have been measured in research studies that include a device-based measure of physical activity. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework, the search strategy and article screening aimed to identify observational and cross-sectional studies with a sample size ≥ 500 that included a device-based measure of physical activity. Survey instruments used in these studies were explored to identify what was asked about disability, chronic conditions and impairment. Results: 64 studies were included in this review. The review identified discrepancies in the style and quality of questions used to assess chronic conditions, disability and impairments, especially the number of impairments asked about, and specific reference to disability being ‘long-term’. Conclusions: This research highlights the need for a more consistent measure of disability to be used internationally, and ideally a measure that captures detail about a person’s impairment as well as condition. Funding: This research is funded by a University of East Anglia Faculty of Medicine and Health Studentship.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Carr, S., Atkin, A., Jones, A., & Milton, K. (2021). Measurement and classification of disability in large-scale physical activity related studies: a scoping review: Mini-Oral Presentation B2.15. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.622

Most read articles by the same author(s)