Brief Report: Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity Among a National Sample of Autistic Adults

Abstract

Improving physical activity (PA) levels in autistic adults is an important population health goal. Limiting efforts to achieve this goal is an incomplete understanding of the barriers to PA in this high-risk group. This study utilized cross-sectional data collected via an electronic survey from 253 autistic adults aged 18-50 years to examine their perceived barriers to PA, how PA barriers differed by demographic factors, and the relationship between PA barriers and meeting PA guidelines. The Barriers to Physical Activity scale assessed the independent variable. Lack of motivation to exercise, perceiving exercise as boring, and lack of transportation were the most strongly endorsed barriers to PA. Participants who reported these barriers were significantly less likely (≤ 50%) to meet PA guidelines.

Effects of Square-Stepping Exercise on Motor and Cognitive Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children and Adolescents: A Study Protocol

“…All the previous factors, together with their low physical competence and movement difficulties, can cause rejection [ 77 ]. Additionally, adults with ASD indicate a lack of motivation, interpersonal difficulties, and problems with sportive activities, including the type of activity, transportation or cost [ 78 ]. This limited participation in physical activities causes both preadolescents and adolescents with ASD to have a worse fitness level [ 79 ] and a higher body mass index compared with typically developed children and adolescents [ 80 ], which causes them to be at risk of suffering from pathologies related to physical inactivity, such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, and overweight/obesity, among others, which increase mortality [ 81 , 82 ].…”

Wheelchair User's Barriers in Physical Activity: Rural VS. Urban Area

“…Especially in young wheelchair users revealed barriers that include attitudes, motivations, existing injuries or fear of developing injuries, limited facilities, and lack of information or knowledge to perform physical activities [8]. Consistency of physical activity is key to general health and well-being.…”