An analysis of people with disabilities in Australia by age, sex, disability type and severity – Implications for leveraging the 2032 Paralympic games to increase physical activity participation

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First published online 01 April 2024.

Why this study was done

People with disabilities in Australia are generally less physically active than the wider population, which can negatively affect health and wellbeing. With the upcoming 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, there is an opportunity to increase participation in physical activity. This study aimed to better understand the characteristics of people with disabilities to inform strategies that encourage participation.

What the study did

Researchers analysed national data on people with disabilities in Australia, looking at differences based on age, sex, type of disability, and severity. This helped identify which groups may face the greatest barriers to physical activity.

What the study found

The study found that:

People with disabilities are a diverse group, with different needs depending on their condition and level of impairment

  • Participation in physical activity varies widely across groups
  • Some groups (e.g., those with more severe disabilities or certain conditions) face greater barriers to participation
  • A “one-size-fits-all” approach is ineffective—targeted strategies are needed

What this means

This research shows that increasing physical activity among people with disabilities requires tailored, inclusive approaches that consider individual differences. Events like the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics could be used to promote participation, but only if strategies are accessible, targeted, and inclusive of diverse needs.

This study was conducted by: Associate Professor Sean Tweedy, Dr. Kathryn Fortnum, Dr. George Thomas, Mr. Damien Cole, Mrs Bridget Demetriou, Dr. Iain Dutia, Dr. Jessica Hill, Professor John Cairney and Associate Professor Emma Beckman.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 01 April 2024.

Why this study was done

People with disabilities in Australia are generally less physically active than the wider population, which can negatively affect health and wellbeing. With the upcoming 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, there is an opportunity to increase participation in physical activity. This study aimed to better understand the characteristics of people with disabilities to inform strategies that encourage participation.

What the study did

Researchers analysed national data on people with disabilities in Australia, looking at differences based on age, sex, type of disability, and severity. This helped identify which groups may face the greatest barriers to physical activity.

What the study found

The study found that:

People with disabilities are a diverse group, with different needs depending on their condition and level of impairment

  • Participation in physical activity varies widely across groups
  • Some groups (e.g., those with more severe disabilities or certain conditions) face greater barriers to participation
  • A “one-size-fits-all” approach is ineffective—targeted strategies are needed

What this means

This research shows that increasing physical activity among people with disabilities requires tailored, inclusive approaches that consider individual differences. Events like the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics could be used to promote participation, but only if strategies are accessible, targeted, and inclusive of diverse needs.

This study was conducted by: Associate Professor Sean Tweedy, Dr. Kathryn Fortnum, Dr. George Thomas, Mr. Damien Cole, Mrs Bridget Demetriou, Dr. Iain Dutia, Dr. Jessica Hill, Professor John Cairney and Associate Professor Emma Beckman.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.