More Than Just a Game: The Public Health Impact of Sport and Physical Activity for People With Disabilities (The 2017 DeLisa Lecture).

Abstract

Although people with disabilities make up a large proportion of our global population and are known to be disproportionately impacted by sedentary lifestyles leading to chronic disease, programs promoting physical activity often fail to address their unique needs. Both environmental and attitudinal factors also act as barriers to full participation. In this context, increasing evidence shows the positive impact of physical activity and sport on outcomes related to physical health, mental health, community participation, and, in some cases, neurorecovery for people with disabilities. Thus, participation should be seen not only as a medical intervention but also as a rights-based issue. We, as physiatrists, can be agents of change by promoting concepts of universal design and inclusion in physical activity and sport programs.