We’re Moving Online: Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Support Adaptive Leisure Time Physical Activity in the Virtual Environment

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities were particularly inactive and online programs offered new opportunities for their engagement in leisure time physical activity (LTPA). However, research regarding how virtual adaptive LTPA programs were developed and delivered is limited. This case study examined the staff perceptions of developing and delivering virtual adaptive LTPA for people with disabilities to better understand the barriers and facilitators organizations experienced during its implementation. Five semi-structured interviews conducted with staff of a community-based organization specializing in adaptive LTPA explored the process of transitioning to a virtual format, challenges and facilitators, and lessons learned. Interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis and organized around three themes. Systematic development of virtual programs suggested that supporting the organization, staff and members facilitates virtual adaptive LTPA. Creativity and resourcefulness in delivering programs highlighted the importance of flexible management and using staff skills. Effects of transitioning to virtual programming emphasized positive impacts of virtual LTPA such as connectedness, health benefits, and expanded organizational reach. The results of this study emphasize the benefits of virtual adaptive LTPA and highlight key management factors that organizations can use to provide virtual opportunities for adaptive LTPA for people with disabilities.