Quality Physical Activity Experiences for Military Veterans with a Physical Disability: Exploring the Relationship Among Program Conditions, Elements, and Outcomes

Abstract: In this study, we evaluate the physical activity (PA) participation of Veterans with a physical disability, particularly the role of experiential elements of quality participation in facilitating desired program outcomes. We hypothesized that quality elements would mediate the relationship between quality program conditions and participation outcomes. Forty-nine Veterans with a physical disability (mean age = 43.61 [SD 8.81] y) completed questionnaires before and after PA event participation, as well as at a 3-month follow-up. Results demonstrated that an indicator of the quality element belongingness mediated the relationship between coach interpersonal skills and two PA indicators (i.e., planning and intentions) after event participation. The same quality indicator also mediated the relationship between coach interpersonal skills and family integration after event participation and at the 3-month follow-up. These findings provide preliminary evidence linking quality PA program conditions and elements to PA participation outcomes.