Towards Inclusive Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Scopus Evidence on Multidimensional Barriers in Physical and Intellectual Disabilities

Objectives. The study aimed to systematically analyze barriers to physical activity (PA) among individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, integrating the COM-B model and Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework to identify universal and disability-specific challenges. Materials and methods. The present research involved a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 14 Scopus-indexed studies published between 2021 and 2025 from high- (HICs) and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Thematic synthesis categorized barriers into environmental/structural, intrapersonal, and sociocultural domains. Results. The results revealed environmental/structural barriers as predominant (10 studies), including transportation limitations (29% in Norway), inaccessible facilities (91% inactivity in Canadian children), and institutional resource gaps. Intrapersonal barriers (4 studies) included motivation deficits and gender stigma (8 unique barriers for women with physical disabilities). Distinct challenges were identified: individuals with physical disabilities faced fatigue (β = -0.34, p < 0.001) and chronic pain, while individuals with intellectual disabilities encountered caregiver dependency and cognitive limitations. Geographic disparities highlighted infrastructural barriers in HICs (e.g., Belgium’s adaptive program gaps) versus motivational/resource challenges in LMICs (e.g., 0% PA compliance among Turkish mothers). Conclusions. The findings of this study underscore the need for tailored, multi-level interventions addressing disability-specific barriers and systemic inequities. Policy priorities include infrastructure investment, caregiver training, and stigma reduction to align with SDGs 3 (Health) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Cross-sector collaboration and context-driven strategies are critical to operationalize inclusive PA frameworks globally.