Level of Physical Activity in Colombian Athletes in Wheelchairs

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.14451

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Published: Feb 26, 2026
Issue: Vol. 24 No. 1 (2026): Revista Ciencias de la Salud
Section Clinical or Experimental Research


Keywords: Physical activity Wheelchair health of the person with disabilities sports for people with disabilities Colombia

Main Article Content

Authors

  Miguel Angel Campo Ramírez
Facultad de Salud y Rehabilitación, Institución Universitaria Escuela Nacional del Deporte (Cali, Colombia).
  Carlos-Andrés Quiroz Mora
Institución Universitaria Escuela Nacional del Deporte (Cali, Colombia).
  Mauricio Hernández Carrillo
Facultad de Salud y Rehabilitación, Institución Universitaria Escuela Nacional del Deporte (Cali, Colombia).

Abstract

Objective: Determine the level of physical activity in wheelchair athletes from Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study. 44 athletes over 18 years of age in wheelchairs from different sports disciplines participated. An accelerometer was used for 7 days as a direct estimator of energy expenditure and was complemented with the PASIPD-C scale. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and sports data were measured. The outcome variable was the MET (Metabolic Rate at Rest) Hour/Day. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. Parametric tests: T-Student, ANOVA; non-parametric: Mann-Whitney U. Results: 75% obtained a normal BMI, the average age was 35.5±1.5 years and 89% presented acquired disability. There were statistically significant differences in the energy expenditure recorded by the PASIPD-C according to the type of sport practiced. Swimming and basketball recorded higher average values of MET/hour/day with the PASIPD-C and the accelerometer; there were no significant differences in energy expenditure according to sex and cause of disability. More than half of wheelchair athletes do not meet the weekly recommendations for moderate and intense physical activity. Conclusion: Colombian wheelchair athletes report low levels of physical activity, despite their usual sports training. A lack of daily energy expenditure was evident, which could constitute a risk factor for developing chronic non-communicable diseases. Strategies should be considered aimed at intensifying the performance of moderate and intense activities during training or in free time, which allows the expected energy expenditure to be met.

How to Cite
Campo Ramírez, M. A., Quiroz Mora, C.-A., & Hernández Carrillo, M. (2026). Level of Physical Activity in Colombian Athletes in Wheelchairs. Revista Ciencias De La Salud, 24(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.14451
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