Durstine, J. Larry, et al. (2000). Physical activity for the chronically ill and disabled. Sports Medicine, 30(3), 207-219.

The overwhelming majority of physical activity research is geared towards a healthy population. The remaining literature focuses on a few diseases, such as coronary artery disease, but neglects a large population of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Future research needs to focus on the effects of physical activity on specific conditions, and the development of exercise guidelines for various subgroups with disabilities.

Read the entire abstract at http://www.ncpad.org/151/1145/Physical~Activity~for~the~Chronically~Ill~and~Disabled.

Heller, T., Ying, G., Rimmer, J., and B. Marks. (May/June 2002). Determinants of exercise in adults with cerebral palsy. Public Health Nursing, 19(3), 223-231.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of various factors influencing exercise participation on individuals with cerebral palsy using a social cognitive frame of reference. A sample of 83 adults with cerebral palsy was obtained from two ongoing studies, with outcome measures including the physical environment, caregiver attitude, and personal characteristics, and the dependent variable the frequency of exercise. The authors concluded that type of residence influences exercise participation: individuals living in non-nursing home settings exercised more. As an individual with cerebral palsy's participation in exercise programs is directly related to the caregiver's attitude, this points to the significance of caregiver education regarding the potential benefits of exercise programming for individuals with disabilities.

Read the full abstract at http://www.ncpad.org/150/1140/Determinants~of~Exercise~in~Adults~with~Cerebral~Palsy~.