Examining factors of physical activity participation in youth with spina bifida using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Zlata Volfson; Amy C McPherson; Jennifer R Tomasone; Guy E Faulkner; Kelly P Arbour-Nicitopoulos

doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100922

Examining factors of physical activity participation in youth with spina bifida using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Disabil Health J. 2020 Oct;13(4):100922. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100922. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Authors

Zlata Volfson¹, Amy C McPherson², Jennifer R Tomasone³, Guy E Faulkner⁴, Kelly P Arbour-Nicitopoulos⁵

Affiliations

¹ University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada. Electronic address: z.volfson@mail.utoronto.ca.
² Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1R8, Canada. Electronic address: amcpherson@hollandbloorview.ca.
³ Queen's University, 28 Division Street, Room 301F, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada. Electronic address: https://tomasone@queensu.ca.
⁴ University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. Electronic address: https://guy.faulkner@ubc.ca.
⁵ University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada. Electronic address: kelly.arbour@utoronto.ca.

PMID: 32312525
DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100922

Abstract

Background: Previous research has demonstrated that physical activity (PA) levels are lower for youth with Spina Bifida (SB) than their typically developing peers. However, there is a lack of understanding of the barriers to PA among this population.

Objective/hypothesis: Using the Theoretical Domains Framework as a guide, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors influencing PA participation among youth with SB.

Methods: Nine youth (six females; aged 14-17 years) took part in one, semi-structured individual interview. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to PA.

Results: Youth identified social influences, impacts on general and mental health, positive affect, activity enjoyment and self-efficacy to be factors that facilitated their participation in PA. The most commonly reported barriers to PA were lack of knowledge, control over decision-making, inaccessible built environments, competing demands on time and pain/fatigue.

Conclusion: These findings are the first step to identifying the most salient barriers and facilitators of PA for youth with SB. In turn, these factors can be further tested and targeted in future PA interventions.

Keywords: Physical activity; Physical disability; Spina bifida; Theoretical domains framework; Youth.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Disabled Children / psychology*
Disabled Children / statistics & numerical data*
Exercise / psychology*
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Participation / psychology*
Patient Participation / statistics & numerical data*
Self Efficacy*
Spinal Dysraphism / psychology*