Predicting Physical Activity in Adults With Physical Disabilities: An Adaptation of the Physical Activity for Individuals With Disabilities and Health Action Process Approach Models

Understanding the psychological mechanism underlying physical activity (PA) participation in individuals with physical disabilities is crucial. In the current study, a conceptual model derived from extant literature was utilized to examine how perceived barriers, attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy are associated with intention and action of PA for people with disabilities. We recruited 371 adults (male = 215; female = 154; unidentified = 1; Mage = 53.20 ± 11.52 yr) with various physical disabilities. Structural equation modeling indicated that subjective norm, attitude, personal efficacy, environmental efficacy, and intention were positively associated with health actions, whereas internal, interpersonal, and environmental barriers showed negative associations. Internal and interpersonal barriers showed associations with lower motivation through self-efficacy and subjective norm, while environmental barriers were associated with diminished volitional processes through environmental efficacy. PA participation among individuals with disabilities appears to be shaped by different types of barriers and social cognitive variables across various stages of behavioral engagement. Limitations, practical implications, and future directions are also discussed.