Acceptability of FitSkills in the Irish Context for Young People With Childhood-onset Physical Disability

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Translating FitSkills to the Irish Context to Facilitate Physical Activity Participation for Young People With Childhood-onset Physical Disability

FitSkills is an evidence based community based gym programme developed in Australia. It was developed in response to the barriers people with disability experience to accessing community-based physical activity. Within FitSkills, people with disability are paired with university students who act as a peer mentor. Pairs exercise together at a community gym location twice a week for 12 weeks. FitSkills has been shown to improve physical and social health among people with disabilities.

FitSkills has not been delivered outside of Australia. The investigators are assessing how practical it is to deliver FitSkills in Ireland with the support of healthcare and physical activity professionals. The investigators want to understand the demand for this programme among young people with childhood-onset physical disability aged 13-24 years. In addition, the investigators want to learn if taking part in FitSkills influences exercise confidence and mental health and well-being among young people with childhood-onset physical disability.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have a primary physical disability diagnosis, either congenital or acquired by age 15
• Are aged between 13-24 years
• Have not taken part in a regular gym programme in the previous 3 months (i.e. at least once a week for 3 months)
• Can follow instructions in English
• Are fit and well enough to participate in exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have an acute or concurrent medical condition rendering them unfit to participate in moderate-level physical activity
• If they had an impaired ability to take part safely in a gym environment due to significant behavioural challenges.