Promoting physical activity to disabled people: messengers, messages, guidelines and communication formats

Smith, Brett; Wightman, Leanne

Abstract

Aim
The purpose of this paper is to share insights from an ongoing project that seeks to promote physical activity to disabled people.

Method
Narrative commentary.

Results
An overlooked yet important group of messengers for promoting physical activity is first highlighted. These are social workers. Second, the process of developing guidelines for these messengers is described and the guide signposted. Third, an infographic to communicate physical activity is highlighted and insights offered on some of the messages co-produced in it. These messages include a focus on pleasure, amounts of physical activity, strength, sedentariness, visual images, language, and different impairments.

Conclusion
The paper contributes to knowledge by offering new insights into how to promote physical activity to disabled people.

Implications for Rehabilitation
> A new group of messengers – social workers – for promoting physical activity to people with disabilities is highlighted.
> A guide for social workers to promote physical activity is described and offered.
> Insights for health promotion is offered on the co-production of physical activity messages.

Citation

Smith, B., & Wightman, L. (2021). Promoting physical activity to disabled people: messengers, messages, guidelines and communication formats. Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(24), 3427-3431. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1679896

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 9, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Oct 22, 2019
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Feb 10, 2020
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 24
• Pages: 3427-3431
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1679896
• Keywords: Disability; Physical Activity; Health Promotion; Messengers; Messages; Infographics
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1271949