Middle Eastern Journal of Disability Studies

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Shahivandi A, Masoud M, Soltani T, Soltani M. The Role of Planning and Tailoring of Urban Sport Facilities in Increasing Physical Activity and Community Participation A Case Study of Arak City’s Citizens with Hearing and Motor Disabilities. MEJDS 2014; 4 (1) :50-58
URL: http://jdisabilstud.org/article-1-347-en.html

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of people with hearing and motor disabilities in the city of Arak. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of sports facilities with their bodily conditions the effectiveness of accessibility, safety and appropriateness of sports facilities on sport activities and finally, to assess the role of disabled individuals’ physical activity in community participation.

Method & Material: A descriptive - analytical study was conducted on the motor - and - hearing disabled people of Arak city. Among them 100 people who exercised weekly and who were accessible were chosen as the statistical sample. Stepwise linear regression was used for data analysis.

Results: The adjusted coefficient of determination (p<0.01, confidence interval: 99%) indicated that a significant relationship existed between the independent variables of ‘accessibility, safety and appropriateness of sports facilities’ and the dependent variable of ‘motivation for exercise’ and explains about 21% of the dependent variable. Moreoveoer, a significant correlation (99%) was observed between performing sport activities and the greater presence of disabled people in the community. Approximately 30% of disabled individuals’ motivation for community participation may be attributed to their sport activities.

Conclusions: The accessibility, safety and appropriateness of sport facilities and equipment are not suitable for the disabled’ needs. Moreover, the disabled’ satisfaction is low. Greater focus should be laid on the three aforementioned indices to create more motivation among the disabled people to perform sport activities and in turn increase their physical activity and community participation.