Physical activity participation in wheelchair sports groups: analysis of individual, interpersonal and club-related characteristics among individuals with physical disabilities

Abstract Background Physical activity is vital for individuals with physical disabilities, yet participation in organized sport remains low even though it significantly promotes physical and mental health, as well as social participation. This study applies a social-ecological model to investigate individual and club-related factors of physical activity participation in wheelchair sport groups of members of the Swiss Paraplegic Association. Methods An explorative cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among a highly specific sample of individuals with physical disabilities in Switzerland ( N = 259). Participants completed an online questionnaire including demographic data, individual-level predictors for physical activity, such as well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and self-efficacy (exercise self-efficacy scale), interpersonal factors (social support) and club-related factors, including satisfaction with club characteristics (e.g. with infrastructure, sport offers). The outcome variable was regular participation in a wheelchair sports group (binary: yes/no). Data were analysed using a logistic multilevel regression model, investigating important predictors relevant to active regular physical activity participation. Results A small cluster intraclass coefficient (ICC) was found (ICC = 0.048), indicating little difference between wheelchair club affiliation regarding the outcome variable. Using backwards selection, the best-fitting model identified motivation (OR = 3.64; 95%CI [2.08, 6.36]), well-being (OR = 2.23; 95%CI [1.38, 3.63]) and age (OR = 0.57; 95%CI [0.39, 0.82]) as strong individual-level predictors. Satisfaction with club characteristics (OR = 1.73; 95%CI [1.13, 2.66]) was positively associated with participation in wheelchair sports groups. Notably, satisfaction with social life outside the club (OR = 0.69; 95%CI [0.45, 1.06]) and female gender (OR = 0.56; 95%CI [0.27, 1.17]) showed negative trends, suggesting a potential functional substitution effect for social needs. Discussion These results suggest that future interventions to increase physical activity in organized settings should move beyond physical accessibility. To effectively increase participation, clubs should foster environments that support individual motivation and well-being of individuals with physical disabilities, including more offers with a particular focus on women. While individual factors predominate, optimizing club support structures remains a key lever, supporting the application of social-ecological frameworks in disability sports.