World first research on disability and physical activity
Funded by Public Health England, a new review and infographic was launched today. The review provides vital evidence for the health benefits of physical activity for disabled adults.
Funded by Public Health England, a new review and infographic was launched today. The review provides vital evidence for the health benefits of physical activity for disabled adults. It is the first to provide the scientific knowledge that will inform the forthcoming UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) adult physical activity guidelines. The review challenges ableist assumptions, such as ‘Sit less, move more’ or ‘Stand up, sit less’, that often unintentionally informs messages about sedentary behaviour. The review also informs a new infographic that was co-produced with over 350 disabled adults, 10 disability organisations, and 50 health professionals. Endorsed by the CMOs, the co-produced infographic communicates evidence-based physical activity recommendations for a range of experiences of disability, making it another world first.
Professor Brett Smith led this work with colleagues from Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nathalie Kirby, Bethany Skinner, Dr Rebekah Lucas, and Leanne Wightman from Disability Rights UK and Dr Charlie Foster from Bristol University. It will be published shortly in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.