Gender differences in theory-based predictors of physical activity in university students with disabilities

Abstract

University students with disabilities engage in physical activity to a lesser extent than their able-bodied peers, with women reporting less physical activity than men. The present study aimed to examine gender differences in theory-based predictors of physical activity in this popu-lation. Spanish university students with different disabilities (n = 1076) completed measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs and the reduced Spanish version of the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments. Self-efficacy and controllability were significantly lower in women and gender differences on the barriers predicting controllability were obtained. In conclusion, the present results could be useful in order to implement physical activity behaviour change interventions which differently target men and women with disabilities.