Physical activity, quality of life, and mental health amongst Canadian children and youth with disabilities

Physical activity provides numerous health-related benefits across populations. Despite this, children and youth with disabilities (CYD, ages 5-24 years) face stigma, discrimination, and other barriers that exclude them from physical activity participation and negatively affect their mental health and quality of life. Fortunately, adapted physical activity camps/programs provide opportunities for CYD to be active in an inclusive environment. While much of the available literature examines the amount of physical activity required for benefits, a newer concept that has emerged is the quality of physical activity participation. Moreover, there is a lack of quantitative examination of factors influencing quality of life for CYD, along with exploring how physical activity experiences may shape mental health. To address these gaps, we conducted two research studies amongst Canadian CYD. The first study is a cross-sectional study in which we explored the associations between quality of life with demographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex, impairment type), quantity of physical activity, and quality of physical activity. Our sample included 51 CYD and we demonstrate an association between having a physical impairment and reporting more quality of life problems. CYD who reported having a positive physical activity participation experience also report fewer quality of life problems. We found no associations between quality of life and sex, age, nor amount of physical activity. The second study (chapter 4) was a qualitative exploration including 12 youth with disabilities (ages 15-24 years) to discuss how their physical activity participation has shaped their mental health. Mental health was largely influenced by connection: connection to a fellowship within adapted programs, connections to realizing their capabilities and developing their confidence and competence, and connections to their emotional regulation and resilience. Each of these interconnected subthemes played a critical role in promoting many aspects of their mental health (e.g., relieving stress, promoting self-efficacy). In conclusion, physical activity experiences appeared to play a significant role not only on quality of life, but also specifically on shaping mental health. Future research should continue to explore ways to improve participation experiences amongst CYD so that they may reap the benefits of physical activity throughout their lives.