Introduction
Introduction
People with disabilities are less physically active than people without disabilities , yet are at risk for the same chronic health conditions . People with disabilities are also at risk for secondary conditions that are related to a primary disability . Secondary conditions can be medical , social or emotional in nature . Many of these conditions ( fatigue , obesity , social isolation , deconditioning , etc .) can be improved or eliminated with increases in physical activity .
There is growing evidence that persons with higher levels of physical fitness have a reduced risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes , stroke and heart disease . This message has been targeted toward the general population for numerous years , but a significant disparity exists between the level of physical activity participation among people with disabilities compared to those without a disability .
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Data from Healthy People 2010 suggests that 56 % of adults with a disability reported no leisure-time physical activity , compared to 36 % of people without a disability .
According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey , only 22 % of adults with disabilities ( 34 % without disabilities ) engaged in moderate physical activity and only 14 % ( 25 % without disabilities ) engaged in vigorous physical activity .
According to data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System , 25.1 % of people with a disability reported that they had not engaged in any physical activity in the past 30 days
In addition to prevention of secondary conditions and overall health and well-being , physical activity can be important in the day-to-day life of people with disabilities . The strength and stamina that is developed by participating in physical activity can help maintain a higher level of independence . Increases in physical activity may also affect a person ' s ability to go to school , work , and participate in all aspects of community life .
Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of all ages can take to improve their health . The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides sciencebased guidance to help Americans aged 6 and older improve their health through appropriate physical activity . These benefits are even more important if you have a disability , since people with disabilities have a tendency to live less active lifestyles .
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