Getting active is not only helps us get fitter and healthier but their are social benefits as well. Being active regularly will not only minimise the risk for secondary health problems but can improve all levels of functioning (Hidde P. van der Pleog et al. 2004).

As you might expect, data from “Sport and Physical Recreation Participation Among Persons with a Disability, (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006) shows that as a persons disability increasingly impacts their mobility, their activity levels are lower, for example someone with low function has a lower activity level than someone with moderate or higher functional capabilities.

Figure 1: Participation by Degree of Disability Limitation

We need to change this curve and here at GAS we firmly believe that everyone can increase their activity levels, it just takes a bit of time to a) understand what you can do b) what your goals are and finally c) design a program that’s appropriate.

Get in touch via our Contact page and lets get active!!

References:

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006). Sport and Physical Recreation Participation Among Persons with a Disability, Commonwealth of Australia.

Hidde P. van der Ploeg; Allard J. van der Beek: Luc H.V. van der Woude; Willem van Mechelen (2004). Physical Activity for People with a Disability: A Conceptual Model. Sports Medicine, Vol 34, Number 10, pp.639-649