Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Study scope
The research examines participation intentions among inactive members of the Swiss Paraplegic Association who reported physical disabilities. It addresses a stated gap in research on intentions to participate in club-based wheelchair sports and adapted physical activity. The study used a cross-sectional exploratory design, so its findings describe associations within the surveyed group rather than establishing causal effects.
Analytical approach
Researchers integrated behaviour-change theories with a social-ecological framework to investigate potential predictors of participation intention. Survey data were analysed using a conditional random forest alongside interpretable machine-learning techniques, an approach selected to examine complex, non-linear and higher-order interactions. The research record identifies the work as a preprint, meaning it has not undergone peer review.
Reported implications
Exercise motivation, loneliness, social support, disability-related restrictions and exercise self-efficacy emerged as relevant predictors. The authors interpret these results as indicating that participation intention is not solely an individual cognitive state; psychosocial influences and a desire to overcome isolation may also shape it. They say the findings could help sports clubs and federations design interventions intended to increase adapted physical-activity intentions and participation.
