Barriers to Exercise for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Date of Award
Spring 3-17-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Individuals with developmental disability have been known to be less physically active and more prone to obesity than the rest of the population. One way to understand this is to examine the barriers that these individuals perceive to prevent them from getting the proper amount of exercise. An online survey was conducted to determine whether previously known barriers significantly affected these individuals' perceptions. The survey consisted of 513 individuals who identified as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or being a parent/caregiver. The barriers they were asked about were time, cost, transportation, energy, and interest. It was shown that the only statistical difference was the barrier of cost between the age groups of 18-24 and 24-34. Location also showed a significant difference; however, it could not be found where the difference (urban, suburban, rural) for a specific barrier. Further research is needed to understand fully what this population may perceive as barriers to exercise in order to gain adequate exercise to close the gap with the general population.