What stops people with disabilities from being physically active? In this episode, we discuss real barriers—and real solutions—from lived experiences and research.
From neuropathic pain to equipment costs, Dr. James Haley shares what truly matters when designing inclusive activity interventions.

In this continuation of the conversation between Dr. James Haley and host Dr. Olli Tikkanen, the focus shifts to the day-to-day challenges that prevent people with disabilities—especially spinal cord injuries—from engaging in physical activity. Dr. Haley outlines individual, environmental, and social barriers, such as fatigue, lack of adapted equipment, inaccessible facilities, and social stigma. Importantly, he also shares insights into what motivates and supports physical activity, including community, co-designed interventions, and creative at-home options.

The episode explores how sports like wheelchair basketball foster belonging and motivation, while also addressing global disparities in access to inclusive programs. Dr. Haley also touches on his vision for scaling his work beyond the UK to low- and middle-income countries. Finally, the discussion includes practical examples and participant experiences from his research, as well as reflections on co-design principles and the potential future role of AI in enhancing adaptive health technologies.

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This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

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Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

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Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

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Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

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Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

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Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

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Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

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Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

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Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

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For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

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Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

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