Perception of Barriers to Sports Practice in Persons with Disabilities in Chile: A Socio-Ecological Approach

Abstract

Background: Participation in physical and sports activities is essential for the overall health of persons with disabilities (PWD). However, these individuals encounter multiple environmental and contextual barriers limiting sports engagement. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the perceived barriers to sports participation among PWD in Chile using a socio-ecological framework, evaluating differences by sex and sports practice status while adjusting for potential demographic confounders. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was conducted with a convenience sample of 245 PWD. Perceptions across four socio-ecological dimensions (intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community) were measured using the short Spanish version of the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI). Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U tests were performed as primary bivariate analyses due to non-normal data distribution, followed by Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) models controlling for age and sex. Results: Bivariate analyses showed no significant differences by sex. When comparing sports participants versus non-participants, athletes perceived significantly lower barriers in the organizational (U=5357, p<0.001, r=0.286) and community (U=6216, p=0.020, r=0.172) dimensions. After adjusting for age and sex via ANCOVA, sports practice remained a significant independent predictor of lower organizational barriers (F=7.814, p=0.006, ηp2=0.032), and a significant interaction between sports practice and sex was identified in the community dimension (F=4.671, p=0.032, ηp2=0.019). Community-level barriers were rated highest across all groups. Conclusions: Sports participation is associated with a lower perception of organizational barriers, even when controlling for age. The prominent community-level obstacles underscore the need for targeted, context-specific public policies that enhance accessibility and inclusive infrastructure.