Introduction
In Sweden, 6% of the men and 3% of the women
have a severe disability affecting everyday mobility,
defi ned as a need for walking aids or wheelchair (1).
The health status in this group is low and tends to
lower the general state of health in the country (2).
Self-reported general health among people with disability
living in Sweden is 10 times poorer than in the
remaining population (2). This ill health is not just
associated with the disability. According to the Institute
of Public Health in Sweden, the health among
persons with disability can be improved by 30% with
interventions that improve the fi nancial situation,
social participation, physical activity participation,
and decrease the number of persons who are overweight
and decrease discrimination in society (2).
Physical disabilities are often accompanied by
secondary diseases such as coronary heart disease,
diabetes and obesity, which all can have a high cost
on the healthcare system (3,4). These conditions can
be prevented by regular physical activity (4,5).