A systematic scoping review: Resources targeting the training and education of health and recreation practitioners to support physical activity among people with physical disabilities

Health and recreation practitioners play an important role in promoting and supporting leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among persons with physical disabilities (PWPD), yet many practitioners lack training and education to provide the basic knowledge, skills, and resources necessary. Little is known about existing LTPA information and training resources for health and recreation practitioners and there has been no known systematic effort to identify existing resources. The purpose of the current study was to engage systematic scoping methodologies to identify resources that target the training and education of health and recreation practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD. To further analyze the identified resources, an assessment of quality was conducted. Systematic scoping review methodologies were employed, which included searches of academic and grey literature, online materials (i.e., Google search) and expert consultation. Several (N = 46) resources were identified from academic, government and non-government, and professional organizations. Most resources were targeted to a specific PWPD population. The resources were of high technical quality. The paper serves as a listing of existing resources for practitioners working with PWPD in LTPA settings. The review provides a catalyst for action in further research and practice regarding the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of optimally effective resources targeting practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD. Several (N = 46) resources were identified from academic, government and non-government, and professional organizations. Most resources were targeted to a specific PWPD population. The resources were of high technical quality. The paper serves as a listing of existing resources for practitioners working with PWPD in LTPA settings. The review provides a catalyst for action in further research and practice regarding the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of optimally effective resources targeting practitioners to promote and support LTPA among PWPD.