Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Pamela Bryden

Advisor Role

Supervising

Second Advisor

Jennifer Robertson-Wilson

Advisor Role

Supervising

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in influencing the physical, psychological, and social well-being of adults with and without intellectual disabilities (IDs). Adults with IDs experience many barriers to participating in PA, which often results in low activity levels and increased health risks. Understanding the factors that influence PA participation and the characteristics of effective programs is important for supporting inclusive and accessible opportunities in community settings. This dissertation includes a general literature review and three research studies examining PA participation among adults with IDs.

The first study is a scoping review examining the characteristics and reported outcomes of PA interventions for adults with IDs. The second study is a needs assessment exploring determinants of PA participation based on the perspectives of caregivers and stakeholders. The third study focuses on a long-standing community-based inclusive dance program for adults with IDs and includes a detailed program description outlining program components, delivery, and its logic model, as well as an examination of participant satisfaction and engagement from the perspectives of participants and their parents/guardians.

Together, the three studies provide a better understanding of PA participation among adults with IDs, including important factors to participation, the role of community contexts, and the features of a successful community-based program. The findings of this dissertation have practical implications by informing future research and providing guidance for organizations interested in developing inclusive PA programs for adults with IDs.

Comments

This dissertation examines physical activity participation among adults with intellectual disabilities through three interrelated studies: a scoping review of interventions, a theory-informed behavioural diagnosis using the Behaviour Change Wheel, and the evaluation of a community-based inclusive dance program. Findings highlight the role of environmental barriers, social support, and community-embedded programming in shaping participation, with implications for intervention design, policy, and knowledge translation.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Friday, May 07, 2027

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