Experiences of key influencers in developing and implementing physical activity programs for children with disabilities

Carlos Dominic Olegario, Howard Jake Reyes, Aila Nica Bandong, Esmerita Rotor, Roselle Guisihan, Mary-Grace Kang, Gabriella Isabel Tablante, Yves Palad, Audrey Anne Lim, Frances Rom Lunar, Kristofferson Mendoza
Purpose:

This study aimed to describe the experiences of KI in developing and implementing PA for CWD.

Methods:

This was a qualitative descriptive study. A focused group discussion was conducted among five KI. Participants were family advocates of and professionals working with CWD. Eligibility for professionals included at least 10 years working with CWD and any of the following: involvement in policy-making or program development relevant to CWD and PA or academic qualifications for adaptive PA.  Thematic analysis was used to code 105 statements into 8 categories and then, into three (3) major themes. 

Results:

The first theme refers to participants’ description of the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes that supported their activities and programs on PA. The second theme describes the processes in implementing PA programs through collaboration and focusing on the child’s interests and capabilities. The third theme refers to socio-cultural challenges to PA program implementation including parenting styles, societal acceptance of CWD, economic constraints, and policy implementation. Participants recommend continuing advocacy for PA through parent and societal education. 

Conclusion(s):

Background knowledge on concepts related to PA and possessing a constructive attitude enabled the participants to initiate and sustain PA programs for CWD. Collaborative partnerships (i.e. parents with teachers, professionals with institutions) were integral in the development and implementation of sustainable programs. Programs should take into consideration the interest and well-being of the CWD, as well as allow involvement of family in the activities. Challenges to PA implementation are traced to cultural and social biases. Results from this study informed the development of a survey instrument to determine the capabilities, motivations, and opportunities of primary CWD carers and special education implementers towards promoting PA for CWD. 

Implications:

Physical therapists should collaborate with key influencers when promoting PA for CWD. Findings of this study can be used as foundation knowledge in developing PA programs for CWD that are engaging and sustainable. It serves as a basis and justification to educate and capacitate key influencers on PA concepts and skills. 

Funding acknowledgements:
This project was funded by the National Institutes of Health-University of the Philippines Manila (Project Code: NIH 2022-013)
Keywords:
physical activity
children with disabilities
partnerships for goals
Primary topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Second topic:
Paediatrics
Third topic:
Service delivery/emerging roles
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board
Provide the ethics approval number:
UPMREB 2022-0157-01
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes

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