Role of medical doctors in promoting and supporting sports participation by people with disabilities: An exploratory study of medical doctors’ knowledge, practices and perceptions
Share Role of medical doctors in promoting and supporting sports participation by people with disabilities: An exploratory study of medical doctors’ knowledge, practices and perceptions on FacebookShare Role of medical doctors in promoting and supporting sports participation by people with disabilities: An exploratory study of medical doctors’ knowledge, practices and perceptions on TwitterShare Role of medical doctors in promoting and supporting sports participation by people with disabilities: An exploratory study of medical doctors’ knowledge, practices and perceptions on LinkedinEmail Role of medical doctors in promoting and supporting sports participation by people with disabilities: An exploratory study of medical doctors’ knowledge, practices and perceptions link
First published online 09 March 2026.
Why this study was done
People with disabilities often face barriers to participating in physical activity, partly because healthcare professionals may not feel confident or trained to support them. This study aimed to understand how prepared clinicians are to prescribe or support exercise for people with disabilities, across different countries and settings.
What the study did
Researchers surveyed a large group of healthcare professionals from both high-income and middle-income countries. They collected information about their training, experience, confidence, and clinical practice related to working with people with disabilities and promoting physical activity.
What the study found
The study found that:
Many clinicians had some experience working with people with disabilities, but levels of training varied widely
There were gaps in knowledge and confidence when prescribing or supporting exercise
Differences existed between countries, with less training and fewer resources reported in some settings
Clinicians commonly worked with a range of disabilities, including physical, psychosocial, and brain injury-related conditions
What this means
This research shows that while clinicians are involved in supporting people with disabilities, there is a need for better education, training, and resources to improve confidence and capability. Strengthening these areas could help increase safe and inclusive physical activity participation for people with disabilities.
This study was conducted by: Dr.Samitha Samanmalee Gowinnage, Dr. Jessica Hill, Dr. Iain Dutia, Associate Professor Emma Beckman, Dr. Gaj Panagoda and Associate Professor Sean Tweedy.
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 09 March 2026.
Why this study was done
People with disabilities often face barriers to participating in physical activity, partly because healthcare professionals may not feel confident or trained to support them. This study aimed to understand how prepared clinicians are to prescribe or support exercise for people with disabilities, across different countries and settings.
What the study did
Researchers surveyed a large group of healthcare professionals from both high-income and middle-income countries. They collected information about their training, experience, confidence, and clinical practice related to working with people with disabilities and promoting physical activity.
What the study found
The study found that:
Many clinicians had some experience working with people with disabilities, but levels of training varied widely
There were gaps in knowledge and confidence when prescribing or supporting exercise
Differences existed between countries, with less training and fewer resources reported in some settings
Clinicians commonly worked with a range of disabilities, including physical, psychosocial, and brain injury-related conditions
What this means
This research shows that while clinicians are involved in supporting people with disabilities, there is a need for better education, training, and resources to improve confidence and capability. Strengthening these areas could help increase safe and inclusive physical activity participation for people with disabilities.
This study was conducted by: Dr.Samitha Samanmalee Gowinnage, Dr. Jessica Hill, Dr. Iain Dutia, Associate Professor Emma Beckman, Dr. Gaj Panagoda and Associate Professor Sean Tweedy.
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.
