Author(s): LEUNG, W., HIRSCH, A., FIORE, G., FARRELL, C., MILLER, A., TAMULEVICIUS, N., Institution: THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA, Country: UNITED STATES, Abstract-ID: 878

INTRODUCTION:
Demographic factors, encompassing age, sex, ethnicity, and education levels, have been linked to weight training engagement in individuals without disabilities [1]. Notably, older adults and women have exhibited lower levels of engagement in weight training [1]. However, there exists a gap in understanding how these demographic factors influence weight training participation among people with disabilities [2]. Despite the recognized importance of fitness, research on weight training participation in the disability community remains limited. This study seeks to address this gap by crafting a comprehensive profile of adults with disabilities engaged in weight training, delving into the demographic factors that predict their participation.
METHODS:
An analysis included 251,062 participants with disabilities, identified using the Washington Group on Disability Statistics Question Set from the 2015-2019 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System. The study focused on weight training engagement, self-reported by participants as either engaged or not engaged. Demographic variables, including, sex, ethnicity, and education levels were examined for their association with weight training engagement. The prevalence of weight training engagement within the disability community was estimated, while logistic regressions were conducted for each demographic factor to examine its impact on weight training participation. Survey analyses were conducted, factoring in sampling weights to address the complex survey design of the dataset.
RESULTS:
The findings revealed that only 30.68% (95% CI [30.29, 31.08]) of participants reported engaging in weight training. Significantly, a higher proportion of individuals aged ≥65 years, males, Caucasians, and those with a college education reported engaging in weight training (p<.05). Logistic regressions further illuminated the influence of demographic factors: older adults (OR=1.57, 95% CI [1.51, 1.63]), males (OR=1.35, 95% CI [1.30, 1.40]), and those with a college education (OR=1.73, 95% CI [1.67, 1.80]) were more likely to participate in weight training. Conversely, Caucasian participants were less likely to engage in weight training compared to their counterparts of color (OR=0.98, 95% CI [0.86, 0.93]).
CONCLUSION:
The current study sheds light on the engagement of weight training among adults with disabilities. Overall, only a small percentage of participants reported engaged in weight training, suggesting people with disabilities might be facing barriers and disparities regarding weight training engagement. The study also emphasized the impact of demographic factors on weight training among people with disabilities.
1. Chevan, J., Demographic determinants of participation in strength training activities among U.S. adults. JSCR, 2008. 22(2): p. 553-8.
2. Jacinto, M., et al., Prescription and effects of strength training in individuals with intellectual disability – A systematic review. Sports, 2021. 9(9): p.125.