persons with disabilities are an accessible environment
and education of the instructors. The fi rst
factor is highly prioritized in Sweden today, but this
study indicates that there is also a need for qualifi ed
staff to adapt an exercise program to an individual ’ s
abilities and functional limitations. Furthermore,
the study indicates that there is a need to support
the individuals ’ own knowledge about the body and
the disability. The study also indicates that the social
support from family and friends plays an important
role in exercise participation, as well as a sense of
belonging to a group of exercise friends and the
instructor.
Knowledge about barriers and facilitators for
exercise is important when planning exercise interventions
for long-lasting physical activity habits and
could be a great asset in a rehabilitation setting. Still,
there is a need for more studies in this area to gain
a better understanding on how personal and contextual
factors affect the exercise habits of people with
disabilities.