Co-produced research that bridges the ‘Knowledge Gap’ to support physical activity participation in disabled children and young people with limb difference

The objective of this nationwide (i.e., England), longitudinal (i.e., 2015-2024), and commissioned (i.e., National Disability Sport Organisation) study was to co-produce research with and for disabled children and young people with limb difference and their families to encourage participation in physical activity and create a more equitable and socially just society. Underpinned and informed by an equitable and experientially informed form of co-production, a core working group (N=45) was formed of families, service providers, and academics. Two research aims were constructed: (a) identify and understand a timely, relevant, and meaningful barrier to physical participation experienced by children and young people with limb difference and their families in England; and (b) co-produce resources that address this barrier and encourage physical activity participation. Multiple methods of data collection were used (N=4 multistakeholder sandpits; 84 meetings; N=351 nationwide surveys, N=26 focus groups, N=22 interviews). The barrier– ‘The Knowledge Gap’ (i.e., informational knowhow, experiential knowhow, and practical knowhow)– was addressed through three co-produced resources: website, social media forum, and physical activity events. Given a recent national survey in England found that disabled children are less active than their non-disabled peer (Activity Alliance 2020, 2024) and the World Health’s Organisation’s (2019) global action plan on physical activity, we believe this research makes a significant contribution to national and international strategy.