Assessment of the ecological receptivity of fitness environments for adults with mobility impairments in an urban community

A service research project was conducted to determine the level of ecological receptivity of fitness environments in order to assist adults with mobility impairments to maintain physical activity. The participants for the examination of fitness center receptivity were drawn from study of the effects of a 12 week exercise program on the health and community participation. Participants in the exercise program who expressed an interest in exercising in a community facility completed a questionnaire that identified the features of the fitness environment that were important for them to be able to go a fitness center. Examples of items include: automatic doors; wide spaces; accessible locker rooms; specialized exercise equipment; staff support and training in meeting the needs of people with disabilities; and affordable membership cost. Participants identified up to three fitness facilities or geographical areas that they would consider visiting. The researcher administered the Accessibility Instruments Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments (AIMFREE) to assess the accessibility and the Community Health Environment Checklist (CHEC) to evaluate the ecological receptivity of each selected facility. After data collection, the researcher discussed the results with the participant in order to find the fitness environment that best match the individual's needs and interests. This presentation will report on the results of accessibility and ecological receptivity assessments. The most frequently cited environmental features that influence physical activity participation and most common environmental facilitators and barriers in fitness facilities will be also be discussed. Recommendations for improving the accessibility and receptivity of fitness environments will be proposed.