Facilitators to support participation in physical activities for children with physical disabilities : A systematic literature review

Abstract: Not participating in physical activities is considered to be a risk factor for the health and well-being of children, especially children with physical disabilities. Nonetheless, children with physical disabilities tend to participate less in physical activities than children without disabilities. The aim of this study was to identify what individual and contextual facilitators are suggested to support the participation of children aged 6 to 18 with physical disabilities in physical activities. A systematic literature review was conducted in four databases. The search was limited to articles written in English, peer reviewed and published between January 2006 and March 2016. A qualitative content analysis with focus on a deductive manifest approach was used to analyze the data. Seven articles were selected for data analysis. Results show that facilitators on an individual level include awareness of health benefits, being motivated, having fun, and social aspects such as meeting friends. Facilitators on a contextual level include support from people in the child’s environment, accessibility, adaptive equipment, modifiable activities, positive attitudes from others, available information, knowledgeable instructors, financial support, and transportation. Occupational therapists need to be aware of the facilitators identified on both individual and contextual level when planning interventions. More research with younger children is needed.