Perceived exercise benefits and barriers among power wheelchair soccer players

1. Perceived exercise benefits and barriers among power wheelchair soccer players J. P. Barfield, DA; Laurie A. Malone, PhD

2. Aim • Examine perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among power wheelchair soccer players. • Relevance • People with greatest functional impairments have fewer disability sport options and, therefore, are at greater risk for reduced exercise and associated secondary conditions. • To increase number of persons benefiting from exercise, researchers must understand factors that encourage or discourage exercise within this population.

3. Method • Participants were recruited from national power wheelchair soccer competition. • Completed Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS): • Provides 3 numeric scores (total, benefits, barriers) and reflection on 43 personal and environmental items, thereby giving researchers with qualitative and quantitative data.

4. Results • Participants reported personal and environmental influences as primary benefits to exercise. • EBBS total and benefit scores: • Differed significantly by disability group but not age, sex, or playing experience. • Perceived exercise barriers: • Highest ranked were“Exercise is hard work for me” and “Exercise tires me.” • EBBS barrier scores: • Did not differ significantly among demographic groups.

5. Conclusion • In group of power wheelchair soccer players: • Perceived benefits of exercise are influenced by disability type. • One environmental influence (ability to have contact with friends) was reported, but most perceived benefits were personal. • Physical exertion and access to facilities were primary barriers to exercise. • Consistent in higher-functioning groups with physical disabilities.