Women, Disability, and Sport and Physical Fitness Activity: The Intersection of Gender and Disability Dynamics

Abstract

This study explores the often overlooked experiences of women with physical disabilities in the sport and physical fitness activity domain. Interviews with 16 women with a physical disability (age range of 19-54 years) revealed the following major themes: (a) participation in fitness-related as opposed to sport-related activities, (b) participation to maintain the functional level of the body and preserve existing capabilities, (c) intrinsic nature of gains derived from participation (perceived competence, enhanced view of body, motivational outlet, control in life), and (d) perceived differences in the sport and physical fitness activity experiences of men and women with disabilities. Findings support the notion that gender and disability interact in the sport and physical fitness context for women with physical disabilities.

Negotiating Participation: How Women Living With Disabilities Address Barriers to Exercise

“…While transportation has been discussed by other authors as a key issue affecting women's exercise participation (Bedini & Anderson, 2005;Blinde & McCallister, 1999;Goodwin & Compton, 2004;Henderson & Bedini, 1995;Hoyle, 2000;Rimmer et al, 1999), very few have explored this issue in considerable depth (Hoyle, 2000;Rauzon, 2002). Through my discussions with participants and the presentation of the extended example of Nancy, I describe the specific and often invisible ways in which women negotiate their participation through both planning and patience with respect to organizing transportation to facilities.…”

“…More commonly, researchers in this area identify personal or individual barriers to women's participation. They describe how women's low exercise participation is attributed to a lack of time, energy, and motivation among women living with disabilities (Bedini & Anderson, 2005;Blinde & McCallister, 1999;Fitness Canada Women's Program, 1989;Goodwin & Compton, 2004;Henderson & Bedini, 1995;Rauzon, 2002;Rimmer, Rubin, Braddock, & Hedman, 1999).…”

A feminist perspective on stroke rehabilitation: the relevance of de Beauvoir's theory

“…This implies the need to exploit women's experiences of their bodies (Knizek, 1993; Seymour, 1998), as well as to tailor training programmes for women that are more in accordance with women's ways of using their bodies. Dancing, movements to music, swimming, walking and housework activities are associated more with a female way of using their body (Limacher, 1998; Daley & Buchanan, 1999; Binde & McCallister, 1999; Abel et al. , 2001).…”

Preliminary Study of Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits of Women with Physical Disabilities

“…They must think about whether they can negotiate the environment based on adequate accommodations (Nosek et al, 2004). Blinde and McCallister (1999) found that women participate in physical fitness programs because it helps them enhance their view of their capabilities. Physical activity helped them to view their bodies as a source of strength, rather than a weakness.…”