Changes in physical activity and basic psychological needs related to mental health among people with physical disability during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway.
Marte Bentzen, Berit Brurok, Karin Roeleveld and 4 others
PMID 34099419WHAT IT FOUND
People with physical disabilities in Norway reported reduced physical activity and health during pandemic restrictions.
Changes in perceived competence were strongly linked to both activity levels and mental health, suggesting therapy should focus on building patients' confidence in their abilities.
Key findings
01Nearly half of participants reported their health status declined during the restrictions, with increased pain and decreased functioning cited as main reasons.
02Changes in the need for competence were the only psychological need significantly associated with both changes in physical activity and mental health in the structural model.
03Reduced access to physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities was the most frequently reported change in health services.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study design is cross-sectional and relies on retrospective self-report, which prevents causal conclusions and introduces recall bias. The sample size was relatively small and recruited via disability organizations and social media, which may introduce selection bias toward more active or engaged individuals. Physical activity was measured with a single item asking about change, rather than a validated multi-item scale, which may affect the robustness of that specific finding.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest, and the research received no external funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the association between competence and activity as proof that building confidence causes increased physical activity. The cross-sectional design and retrospective reporting mean we only know these factors were related in participants' perceptions, not that one drove the other.