Abstract:
This is a qualitative study exploring the physical activity patterns of a group of
women with physical disabilities through their lifespan. In-depth interviews were done
with a group of 6 women aged 1 9 to 3 1 . The data were analyzed via content and
demographic strategies. Participants in this study reported that their physical activity
patterns and their experiences related to their physical activity participation changed over
their lives. They were most physically active in their youth (under 14 years of age) and
as they reached high school age (over 14 years of age) and to the present time, they have
become less physically active. They also reported both affordances and constraints to
their physical activity participation through their lifespan. In their youth, they reported
affordances such as their parents' assistance, an abundance of available physical activity
opportunities, and independent unassisted mobility, as all playing an important factor in
their increased youth physical activity. In adulthood, the participants' reported less time,
fewer opportunities for physical activity, and reliance on power mobility as significant
constraints to their physical activity. The participants reported fewer constraints to being
physically active in their youth when compared to adulthood. Their reasons for
participation in physical activity changed from fun and socialization in their youth instead
of for maintenance of health, weight, and function in adulthood. These affordances,
constraints and reasons for physical activity participation were supported in the literature.
