Exploring the Relationship Between Identity, Physical Activity, and Accessibility Perceptions

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has a well-documented, positive effect on overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, addressing activity-friendly infrastructure in communities can promote PA in everyday life. A universal design (UD) lens on PA promotes accessibility to the broadest audience and contributes to equal benefit of increased PA. This study explores the intersectionality of age, gender, and disability in United States-based gender minority adults using multiple regression analysis. A statistically significant relationship emerged between participants’ (n=125) disability status and their corresponding perceptions of accessible design in their communities. However, gender, age, and PA did not have statistical significance in the regression model. The results reported in this paper are specific to the unique challenges these populations face in accessing inclusive and accessible community environments. Few health disparities studies have combined multiple elements of one’s identity with measurements of PA to examine environmental perceptions among multiply marginalized communities. This research seeks to address this research gap.