Physical Activity and Disabilities: Scoping Review of the Who and Where of Health Management Interventions

Abstract

Objectives

Investigate the types of health professionals delivering physical activity (PA) interventions to persons with physical disabilities (PwPD), the settings, and the characteristics of these interventions.

Data Source

Five major databases were used to extract peer-reviewed articles published from 2002-2025.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Studies with a PA-based intervention for PwPD at least 18 years of age were included. Studies were excluded if published in non-English, if fewer than 51% of the study included PwPD, or if disability was only age-related.

Data Extraction

Articles were reviewed and coded by two independent reviewers using a standard form. Extracted data included study design, sample size, population diagnosis, profession conducting the intervention, intervention setting and country, and characteristics of the PA intervention.

Data Synthesis

Data were synthesized using descriptive and qualitative methods.

Results

Ninety-eight articles were included. Various professionals provided PA interventions; physical therapy and research staff were the most common. PA interventions were delivered in a variety of settings with community-based centers being most prevalent. PA interventions varied in frequency, intensity, duration, and type.

Conclusion

PA interventions are conducted by a variety of health professions and settings. Less-involved professions could play a larger role in the provision of these interventions to promote health management for PwPD. PA intervention characteristics vary widely which may impact efficient development of evidence-based exercise programming for PwPD.