The effect of physical activity on the quality of life of athletes with disabilities and the mediating role of life satisfaction and physical self-esteem
Lei Zheng, Juan Yao, Wei Zhou, Danping Liu
Abstract
This study examined the effects of physical activity(PA) on the quality of life (QOL) of athletes with disabilities using sport and health theory. We administered a paper-based field questionnaire to 118 athletes with disabilities and used structural equation modeling to analyze the mechanisms of physical self-esteem (PSE) and satisfaction with life (SWL) in the role of PA and QOL in athletes with disabilities. RESULTS: 1) PA still had a significant positive effect on the QOL of athletes with disabilities mediated by PSE (β = 0.206, p < .01,95 % CI = [0.11,0.306]); PA had a greater significant effect on QOL in athletes with disabilities when PSE and SWL were combined (β = 0.206, p < .01,95 % CI = [0.11,0.306]); 3) PSE and SWL have an indirect effect of 32.18 % in PA affecting QOL in athletes with disabilities. CONCLUSION: 1) PA significantly improves PSE, SWL, and QOL for people with disabilities; 2) PSE and SWL can not only play separate mediating roles in the process of PA influencing the QOL of athletes with disabilities, but they can also work together to exert a co-mediating effect. This provides a theoretical basis for PA to enhance QOL or improve mental health.