Using the web to promote physical activity among adults with physical disabilities: An exploratory study

Because of the paucity of research in this area, the current study explores the potential of internet programming for increasing physical activity (PA) participation among adults with physical disabilities. During the 14-weeks of the program, participants had phone, email, and online chat access to coaches, interactive behavioral tracking tools, and received weekly reminders to return to the program. The program updated weekly with exercise videos tailored to their functional level and educational/motivational resources. PA participation was measured at pre and post intervention using a self-report web survey. Among those who completed the post survey (n=146, 58.6% response rate; age: 48.2±11.1 years; 83.6% female; 86.3% Caucasian), there were significant differences in moderate (+75.8±245.2min/wk, t=3.7, p<0.01), vigorous (+19.3±51.7min/wk, t=4.5, p<0.01), and total PA (+95.2±252.2, t=4.6, p<0.01) from pre to post. To explore differences based on program engagement, participants were divided into two groups: non-engagers (those who returned to the program no more than once after registration, n=68) and engagers (n=78). There were no significant differences between groups for changes in PA, but differences between groups in vigorous PA approached significance (NE: +10.8±41.4min/wk; E: +26.7±58.5min/wk; p=.06). The preliminary analysis of this exploratory study suggests that internet programs may be an effective means of increasing PA participation among people with disabilities and, thus, adds significantly to this growing area of research. Further exploration of program impact, reach, and engagement as well as effective program design features is necessary.