Pub on Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities

There is a new publication available online from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport. It is a Research Digest titled Promoting Inclusive Physical Activity Communities for People with Disabilities, Series 9, No. 2, June/July, 2008.

The publication certainly has implications for RTs. The author concludes: "Health and fitness professionals have a unique opportunity to improve the health and well-being of millions of people with disabilities who are not engaging in moderate, health-enhancing physical activity."

The guest author is Dr. James H. Rimmer. It is co-edited by: Dr. Barbara Ainsworth, Dr. Deborah R. Young, and Dr. Michael La Monte.

Here is the abstract from the online publication:
People with disabilities face substantial health risks associated with a physically inactive lifestyle. Unfortunately, even when individuals with disabilities want to increase their physical activity levels, they are often confronted with many more barriers than the general population. This limits or restricts their opportunities to improve their own health. With the impending growth of older individuals entering their 60s and 70s, many of whom will enter the ranks of disability as a result of acquiring one or more physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments, health and fitness professionals must redirect part of their efforts at providing accessible facilities, programs, and services to members in their community who have a disability. The participation of younger and older individuals with disabilities in physical activity must become one of the highest priorities for public and private organizations responsible for improving the health of every citizen in this nation.

To access this publication, go to http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/news_research/research_digests/june2008.pdf