Why is physical activity important?

The health benefits of engaging in physical activity are well documented. Individuals do not need to engage in strenuous physical activity to achieve to see improvements in their health. The Surgeon General’s report on Physical Activity and Health¹ recommends that individuals should start with small sessions of activity and build up over time in terms of not only the amount of time being physically active but also in the intensity of the activity.

Individuals with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities. Nationwide, more than 25% of individuals with a disability reported being physically inactive during a usual week compared to 12.8% of those without a disability². However, individuals of all sizes and abilities can benefit from being physically active, including those with disabilities³.

The model below illustrates how an individual’s environment is influenced by the person and influences the person’s healthy decisions to engage in physical activity.

A supportive family and friends group can be very helpful in developing an activity program and staying involved. Individuals with disabilities should consult their physician before beginning a physical activity program that is different from what they have done in the past1. Communities can also support adaptive physical activity for individuals with disabilities by considering accessibility in facilities for physical activity, incorporating the perspectives of persons with disabilities in the planning of activities, and incorporate activity early in childhood through the K-12 system.