Physical activity type and duration in disabled and non-disabled adults

Background: Disabled people are more likely to be physically inactive than non-disabled people, yet limited research has explored the types of physical activities that disabled people participate in. Objectives: This study describes the types of physical activities that disabled people participate in, and compares activity frequency and duration to non-disabled people. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the 2018/19 Sport England Active Lives survey, participants were categorised into three groups (disability – substantial effect on daily activities; disability – non-substantial effect on daily activities; no disability), and activity types were grouped into 17 categories including athletic, leisure, and swimming. Chi-squared tests and multivariable linear regression were used to compare participation in each activity category across the sub-groups. Results: Of 158,995 participants, 18% (n=29,057) had a disability that had a substantial effect on daily activities, 21% (n=33,004) had a disability with a non-substantial effect on daily activities, and 61% (n=96,934) had no disability. Leisure was the most frequently reported activity type and of longest duration (median (interquartile range) mins/day: disability – substantial effect on daily activities: 315 (120–700); disability – non-substantial effect on daily activities: 390 (180–750); no disability: 375 (165–750)). Whilst activity duration was typically higher among people with no disability, artistic activities and swimming were higher for people with a disability that had a substantial effect on daily activities. Conclusions: Activity choices were similar among sub-groups, however participation rates and activity duration were typically lower among disabled people. Reducing inequalities in physical activity participation will require improved access, opportunities, and support.