Background

This study was a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial. This type of trial is a way researchers test if something new works, like a program or treatment. In this trial, we partnered with 11 community gyms and each gym (or group of 2 to 3 gyms) tested the program in turns. The order in which gyms tested the program is decided randomly (like drawing names from a hat) until all have had a chance to try it out.

This study looked at a program called FitSkills, which helps young people with disability take part in exercise at community gyms. Young people with disability often do less physical activity than others because of barriers like limited social support or lack of suitable programs. FitSkills pairs each young person with a trained university student mentor, and they exercise together twice a week for 12 weeks. The study aimed to find out if FitSkills helps young people not just attend activities (being there), but also enjoy and feel involved in them, and whether it improves their overall health and well-being.

Findings and impact

The study found FitSkills helped young people attend more physical activities and spend more time being active. After the program, young people with disability participated in one extra activity on average and spent more time exercising. These improvements were still seen months later, showing the program can have lasting effects on participation. The program also increased confidence to exercise and showed small improvements in life satisfaction. However, it did not change how much participants were involved in activities or their overall health-related quality of life, and there was no clear change in time spent sedentary. Overall, the findings show a community-based program with social support can help young people with disability become more active and included in their communities, which may lead to better health over time if the habits continue.

Citation:

Shields, N., Bhowon, Y., Willis, C., Taylor, N. F., Bohingamu Mudiyanselage, S., Watts, J. J., Imms, C., & Prendergast, L. A. (2025). A community-based physical activity intervention (FitSkills) can improve participation attendance of young people with disability: A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 59(20), 1426–1434. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2025-109877