Barriers and facilitators of physical activity in adolescents with intellectual disabilities: An analysis informed by the COM-B model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities are insufficiently physically active. Where interventions have been developed and delivered, these have had limited effectiveness, and often lack a theoretical underpinning.

Aim

Through application of the COM-B model, our aim is to explore the factors influencing adolescent physical activity within schools.

Methods

A qualitative methodology, using focus groups with students who have mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, their parents'/carers' and teachers'. The COM-B model provided the lens through which the data were collected and analysed.

Results

We identified of a range of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors influencing physical activity, across all six COM-B constructs, within the context of the 'school-system'.

Conclusion

This is the first study to use the COM-B model to explore school-based physical activity behaviour, for adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Identification of such physical activity behavioural determinants can support the development of effective and sustainable interventions.

SUBMITTER: McDermott G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9305883 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature