Quality of life and adherence to physical activity in leisure time of people with physical disability

Abstract

Study aim: People with disability are characterized by mental disorders, lower physical function, and poor social functioning. Dramatically, they are at particular risk of loss of their psychosocial functions. Here, we tested the relationship between quality of life and adherence to physical activity in leisure time of people with physical disability. Material and methods: A cross-sectional design based on the descriptive correlational method was applied. The statistical population of the study included 555 people with different types of physical disability. A quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life, and adherence to physical activity was measured with the Adherence to Physical Activity Questionnaire. Preliminary calculations involved a series of Pearson correlations. Moreover, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Finally, structural equation modeling was used to assess the research model. Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship (P < 0.05) of the quality of life and its components with adherence to physical activity. Based on statistical analysis, 73% of adherence to physical activity changes was related to the quality of life components. Conclusion: According to the results, special attention to the social functioning of physically disabled people and efforts and planning in order to improve it can help to improve the quality of life of these people. Also, by designing diverse sports programs for their leisure time we can help improve the adherence of physically disabled people to physical activity.