This study explored structural constraints on physical activity among adults with developmental disabilities across Bronfenbrenner’s exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Interview data from 10 parents and professionals with at least five years ...
This study explored structural constraints on physical activity among adults with developmental disabilities across Bronfenbrenner’s exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Interview data from 10 parents and professionals with at least five years of support experience were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, yielding 14 subthemes. Exosystem constraints included voucher administration, fragmented inter-ministerial coordination, exclusionary public facilities, digital and safety barriers, and gaps in decision-making support and service coordination after parental support ends. Macrosystem constraints included social stigma, nominal inclusion through Unified Sports, excessive administration, and unequal welfare resource distribution. Chronosystem constraints included post-school service discontinuity, intergenerational digital disparities, the “double aging” of parents and adults with developmental disabilities, and difficulties sustaining exercise routines. These constraints reinforced one another, creating a “macrostructural trap” marked by repeated discontinuation of and failed re-entry into physical activity. Recommendations include an integrated inter-ministerial voucher platform, inclusive public sport facility management, liability insurance or mutual aid, inclusive community sport, and coordinated decision-making support, personal assistance, and community sport services after parental support ends.