Participation outcomes of an internet-based physical activity program for adults with physical disabilities

While research has demonstrated effectiveness of internet-based physical activity (PA) programs in the general population, understanding of their effectiveness for people with disabilities is limited. This study used mixed methods to examine the outcomes of participating in a 14-week internet-based educational/motivational program designed to increase PA participation among adults with physical disabilities. Self-report web surveys were used to measure PA (minutes/week), self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, and physical activity enjoyment at baseline and 14 weeks. Semi-structured phone interviews were used to measure participants' perceptions of the program's impact at mid-point and 14 weeks. Among study participants who completed the post surveys (n=106; age: 47.2±13.3 years; 85.6% female; 76.7% Caucasian), there were significant increases in PA levels from pre to post-test [moderate: F(1,101)=28.675, p<0.01; vigorous: F(1,100)=23.147, p<0.01; total: F(1,98)=27.133, p<0.01]. Self-efficacy significantly decreased [F(1,104)=4.118, p<0.05], and time-related barriers [F(1,104)=8.100, p<0.01] and enjoyment [F(1,104)=17.648, p<0.01] significantly increased. As reported in the phone interviews (n=47), participants perceived improvements in psychosocial mediators (knowledge, awareness, and self-efficacy), PA levels, and health status (general health, medication use, psychological status, weight loss, and physical function). They also saw the program as a catalyst for community participation and new activities. These qualitative findings indicate additional variables that could be incorporated into similar internet-based program evaluations to more fully understand program impact. Taken together, these results suggest the promise of internet-based programs for achieving large scale improvements in health outcomes for people with disabilities.