Johnson Marquell J, Stoelzle Hannah Y, Finco Kristi L, Foss Sadie E, Carstens Katie
Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2012 Fall;18(4):340-53. doi: 10.1310/sci1804-340.
The study expands the research on fitness facility accessibility by determining how compliant fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin were with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Comparisons were made with 4 other studies that were conducted in different geographical regions. The study also examined fitness professionals' disability knowledge and awareness.
An ADA fitness facility compliance instrument and a fitness professional disability awareness survey were used. Direct observation and physical measurements were taken during on-site visits to 16 of 36 eligible fitness facilities in rural western Wisconsin. Ten fitness professionals from participating facilities completed an online survey. Frequencies were used to analyze the results.
None of the participating facilities were in 100% compliance with ADA. Customer service desk (84%) and path of travel throughout the facility (72%) were the highest compliance areas. Telephone (6%) and locker rooms (32%) were the lowest compliance areas. No fitness professional was trained in wheelchair transfers and very few had received training in providing services to individuals with disabilities.
Fitness facility accessibility remains a concern nationally. Continued efforts need to be made to raise the awareness of ADA compliance among fitness professionals across the United States, especially in rural areas where fitness facility availability is limited.
本研究通过确定威斯康星州西部农村地区的健身设施对《美国残疾人法案》（ADA）第三章的符合程度，扩展了对健身设施可达性的研究。并与在不同地理区域进行的其他4项研究进行了比较。该研究还考察了健身专业人员对残疾的知识和认识。
使用了一份ADA健身设施合规性工具和一份健身专业人员残疾意识调查问卷。对威斯康星州西部农村地区36家符合条件的健身设施中的16家进行实地考察时，进行了直接观察和物理测量。来自参与设施的10名健身专业人员完成了一项在线调查。使用频率分析结果。
没有一家参与的设施完全符合ADA标准。客户服务台（84%）和整个设施的通行路径（72%）是符合程度最高的区域。电话（6%）和更衣室（32%）是符合程度最低的区域。没有健身专业人员接受过轮椅转移方面的培训，很少有人接受过为残疾人提供服务的培训。
健身设施的可达性在全国范围内仍然是一个问题。需要持续努力提高美国各地健身专业人员对符合ADA标准的认识，特别是在健身设施供应有限的农村地区。
