The effect of physical activity on the quality of life of athletes with disabilities and the mediating role of life satisfaction and physical self-esteem

This study examined the effects of physical activity(PA) on the quality of life (QOL) of athletes with disabilities using sport and health theory. We administered a paper-based field questionnaire to 118 athletes with disabilities and used structural equation modeling to analyze the mechanisms of physical self-esteem (PSE) and satisfaction with life (SWL) in the role of PA and QOL in athletes with disabilities.Results: 1) PA still had a significant positive effect on the QOL of athletes with disabilities mediated by PSE (beta = 0.206, p < .01,95 % CI = [0.11,0.3061); PA had a greater significant effect on QOL in athletes with disabilities when PSE and SWL were combined (beta = 0.206, p < .01,95 % CI = [0.11,0.3061); 3) PSE and SWL have an indirect effect of 32.18 % in PA affecting QOL in athletes with disabilities.Conclusion: 1) PA significantly improves PSE, SWL, and QOL for people with disabilities; 2) PSE and SWL can not only play separate mediating roles in the process of PA influencing the QOL of athletes with disabilities, but they can also work together to exert a co-mediating effect. This provides a theoretical basis for PA to enhance QOL or improve mental health.