Abstract
Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among people with physical disabilities might differ between countries due to differences in implemented measures and infection rates. This study aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on physical activity (PA) and social isolation among adults with physical disabilities in Canada and the Netherlands, and examine associations between PA and social isolation. Methods: Secondary data from two studies were used: the Canadian COVID-19 Disability Survey (n = 353) and the Dutch Rehabilitation, Sports and Active lifestyle (ReSpAct) 2.0 study (n = 445). Self-reported PA was measured using IPAQ-SF and Adapted-SQUASH. Social isolation was measured using the PROMIS Social Isolation. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Results: Canadian participants spent on average 163 min (Median = 0; IQR = 120) on moderate-to-vigorous PA per week and Dutch participants 934 min (Median = 600; IQR = 1125). In Canada, 64% reported to have become less physically active since the pandemic compared to 37% of Dutch participants. In both samples, no clinically relevant associations were found between PA and social isolation. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the negative impact of the pandemic on PA and social isolation in adults with physical disabilities in Canada and the Netherlands. Future research is needed to better understand if and how PA can be used to reduce social isolation in people with disabilities. This study illustrates how cross-country collaborations and exchange provide opportunities to inspire and learn from initiatives and programs in other countries and may help to improve PA support among people with disabilities during and after the pandemic.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 778-794 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Disabilities |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 14 Dec 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2022 |
Bibliographical note
This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and COVID-19.Funding
The ReSpAct study was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (grant no. 319758), Stichting Beatrixoord Noord-Nederland (ReSpAct 2.0; grant date 19 February 2018) and supported by the Knowledge Center of Sport Netherlands and Stichting Special Heroes Nederland (before January 2016: Stichting Onbeperkt Sportief). F.H. is supported by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (#719049) and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) Trainee Award (#RT-2020-0489).
Funders | Funder number |
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Knowledge Center of Sport Netherlands and Stichting Special Heroes Nederland | |
Stichting Onbeperkt Sportief | |
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation | 719049 |
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation | |
Stichting Beatrixoord Noord-Nederland | |
Michael Smith Health Research BC | -2020-0489 |
Michael Smith Health Research BC | |
Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport | 319758 |
Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport |