Physical Activity Patterns and Factors Influencing Physical Activity Participation among Adolescents with Physical Disabilities in Urban Communities. Ortiz-Castillo, Esther M. The Ohio State University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2011. 3493243.

The preliminary purpose of this study was to: (a) validate selected components of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD; Washburn et al., 2002) for use with adolescents with physical disabilities; and (b) construct a scale (i.e., Physical Activity Determinants Scale [PADS]) based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) to assess determinants promoting and hindering physical activity participation among adolescents with physical disabilities in urban communities. Subsequent to completion of the preliminary purpose, the main purpose of the study was to describe the physical activity patterns of adolescents with physical disabilities in urban communities and determine factors promoting and hindering their participation in physical activity. This investigation was conducted using descriptive survey research method situated within the theoretical framework of TpB (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). Data sources for the study included the PASIPD, the PADS, and a demographic form. Participants were 93 adolescents with physical disabilities between the ages of 12 through 18 in urban communities in 10 states in the United States. Results show that the amount and duration of physical activity participation of adolescents with physical disabilities does not meet well-established recommended physical activity guidelines. Results also revealed that 51% of the variance in intention was explained by perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude. In addition, determinants that either promoted or hindered physical activity participation were identified through the participants’ beliefs about: (a) control over doing physical activity and having the required resources (i.e., transportation, accessible facilities, appropriate weather, someone with whom they can do physical activity with and who can provide support, recommendation from a health provider, and low fees); (b) important salient referents in their lives (i.e., adult men and women in their families, friends, general and adapted physical education teachers, and health providers) think they should participate in physical activity regularly and being motivated to act in accordance with the referents’ expectations; and (c) desirable and important outcomes or consequences (i.e., getting healthy and stronger, improving skills, having fun, and spending time with friends). These results suggest that researchers and professionals in health, physical activity, general and adapted physical education, and recreation fields should develop health promotion, physical activity, and physical education programs that are appropriate for adolescents with physical disabilities and develop strategies that strengthen their participation in physical activity. There is a need to further explore the use of the scales and of TpB to predict and explain physical activity patterns among adolescents with physical disabilities and social-psychological factors influencing their physical activity participation.