2021, Volume 1, Issue 1
Avoiding isolation: Physical activity for persons with disabilities and Covid-19
Pelin Aksen-Cengizhan1, Ali Ahmet Doğan1, Özkan Işık2
1Faculty of Sport Sciences, Krikkale University
2Faculty of Sports Sciences, Balikesir University
Author for correspondence: Pelin Aksen-Cengizhan; Faculty of Sport Sciences, Krikkale University ; email: pelinaksen@hotmail.com
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Abstract
It was aimed in this article to draw attention to the following issues: the importance of issuing guidelines on what countries can or should do in order for individuals with disabilities to maintain their daily exercises or physical activity routines, and informing the public about it; the importance of considering the needs of a person with disabilities in emergency preparedness and response plans of the countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; the importance of the dissemination of public health messages in plain language and accessible formats through all mass media channels; the importance of providing psychosocial support to persons with disabilities and their families; and, the importance of strengthening support networks for persons with disabilities. In the research, the literature on Covid-19 and physical activity in disabilities published in 2020 was scanned via Pubmed and Google Scholar, and the study was designed as a review. Analysis of the related literature showed that it is important to develop a habit of performing regular physical activity in disabilities and to continue these activities especially during the pandemic period. In this review, persons with disabilities should be informed about what they can or should do to maintain their daily exercise or physical activity routines.
Key words: persons with disabilities, physical activity, Covid-19, pandemic, social isolation