Watch Professor Brett Smith @BrettSmithProf shortly discuss the recommendations at the #ISPAH2018 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress, London 2018 at the “Adapted, Adapting, Adaptive Physical Activity” Symposium on YouTube – https://youtu.be/Wdj8eRHygpE @ISPAH

In 2011 the UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) physical activity guidelines were produced for four age groups, from under 5s to older adults. However, with sparse evidence on physical activity for those with disability available, the guidelines omitted guidance for this group.

In 2018 Public Health England (PHE) tasked us to review the evidence and, if sufficient, co-produce evidence-based recommendations about physical activity and disability in an appropriate format. The review will be published shortly. Having established sufficient evidence, an infographic specifically targeting disabled adults (including having the words disabled adults in the infographic) was selected by disabled people and disability organisations to communicate recommendations. The process of co-producing the infographic involved working with over 350 disabled adults, 10 disability organisations, and 50 health professionals.

The outcome of this process is the first co-produced infographic to communicate evidence-based physical activity recommendations for a range of experiences of disability. It has also been approved by PHE and endorsed by all the UK CMOs. We hope it is shared widely, displayed, and used to promote physical activity and challenge inequalities. In line with the World Health Organisation recommendations, if you would like to translate the infographic into a different language please contact the lead author, Professor Brett Smith (smithbs@bham.ac.uk).

The infographic and supporting text will be published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in October.

Physical Activity and Disability Recommendations (Adults)

Physical Activity and Disability Recommendations (Adults)

Authors: Brett Smith (University of Birmingham), Nathalie Kirby (University of Birmingham), Bethany Skinner (University of Birmingham), Leanne Wightman (Disability Rights UK), Rebekah Lucas (University of Birmingham)and Charlie Foster (University of Bristol)