Barriers to development and expansion of adaptive physical activity and sports for individuals with a physical disability in sports clubs and centres

Physical activity has shown to be a useful tool in rehabilitating motor deficiencies among individuals with a physical disability. However, when patients are discharged from in-patient rehabilitation, their physical activity levels tend to drop. This is partly due to a lack of opportunity to be physically active through adaptive physical activity and sports (APAS) programmes within communities. This study aimed to identify reasons which limit the development or expansions of the APAS offer, in order to emit guiding points as how these could be overcome. An online survey was completed by 330 different sports clubs and centres in Belgium. Several barriers were identified, including lack of demand from potential candidates and lack of funding for these activities. However, despite these barriers, 44% of the sports clubs and centres reported accommodating individuals with a physical disability nonetheless, and 17% reported offering APAS programmes. There is therefore potential to develop APAS sessions in inclusion with individuals without a disability. Communication between different stakeholders within the sports community, and with health professionals, is urgently needed to improve collaborations. Similarly, partnerships with rehabilitation centres and hospitals should be formed in order to enhance visibility of APAS and boost recruitment of participants. Finally, health professionals should recognise the vital role they play in relaying information to their patients concerning leisure-time physical activity’s benefits, safety and opportunity in their community