?I never really thought that a virtual ride would be that good!?: Experiences of participants with disabilities in online leisure-time physical activity during COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the sedentary behavior and inactivity of people, including individuals with disability, who were already less active than their able-bodied counterparts. Therefore, it is particularly important to think about how to maintain and increase their leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Online adaptive programs may represent a useful tool to do so. However, there is a little research focused on the health impacts of online LTPA.Objective: This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the experiences of people with disabilities who participated in online adaptive LTPA along with the factors contributing to or limiting participation. Method: First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals participating in online adaptive LTPA offered by a community organization. Based on these interviews, a survey was developed and completed by 104 participants.Results: The results of the study suggested that people with disabilities can get a variety of physical and emotional health benefits when participating in adaptive online LTPA, including a strong social benefit. Staff attitude and knowledge as well as the staff's ability to adapt to participant needs played important roles in facilitating participation. Greater access to equipment was needed.Conclusion: This study offers insights into how online LTPA could support the health-promoting behavior of people with disabilities during the pandemic and beyond.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.