Enhancing Physical and Mental Well-Being in People with Disabilities

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2026 | Viewed by 498

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Interests: physical disability; spinal cord injury; exercise; adherence; psychosocial factors; telehealth; eHealth; mHealth; behavior modification

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Guest Editor
School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Interests: disability; exercise and physical activity; health promotion; telehealth; behavior change; systematic reviews

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Promoting the physical and mental well-being of people with disabilities is an urgent public health priority and a growing area of interdisciplinary research. Individuals with disabilities often encounter substantial barriers to health and wellness, including limited access to healthcare services, inaccessible environments, inadequate provider training, and social determinants that compound health inequities. These challenges can contribute to preventable secondary conditions, increased mental health concerns, reduced quality of life, and decreased community participation.

This Special Issue aims to spotlight innovative research and practical approaches that foster holistic well-being among people with disabilities across the lifespan. Enhancing well-being requires more than managing health conditions—it involves empowering individuals through inclusive health promotion strategies, adaptive physical activity programs, integrated mental health support, and person-centered care models that address both physical and psychosocial needs.

We welcome contributions that explore factors influencing well-being, interventions designed to promote resilience and health, and system-level strategies to reduce disparities. Studies may address diverse disability populations and incorporate a wide range of methodologies, including observational and longitudinal research, intervention trials, qualitative studies, implementation research, case studies, study protocols, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Priority will be given to work that centers the lived experiences of people with disabilities and offers actionable insights for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders.

Dr. Jereme D. Wilroy
Dr. Yumi Kim
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • disability health
  • physical health
  • mental health
  • health disparities
  • accessibility
  • rehabilitation
  • adaptive physical activity
  • inclusive healthcare
  • health promotion
  • psychosocial well-being
  • integrated care
  • quality of life

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 242 KB  
Article
Professionals’ Perceptions on Implementing an Adapted Lifestyle Coaching Program for People with Physical Disabilities
by Elizabeth H. Douma, Trynke Hoekstra, Jesse K. Nijboer, Martin Fluit, Lieneke Vos and Femke Hoekstra
Healthcare 2025, 13(16), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13161978 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Evidence-based lifestyle coaching programs have been developed to support people with disabilities in adopting healthy behaviors, and to ultimately contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. However, when implementing such programs in new settings, adaptations may be needed to ensure a successful implementation [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Evidence-based lifestyle coaching programs have been developed to support people with disabilities in adopting healthy behaviors, and to ultimately contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. However, when implementing such programs in new settings, adaptations may be needed to ensure a successful implementation process. This study aimed to explore professionals’ perceptions on an adapted evidence-informed lifestyle coaching program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities to inform the implementation of the program in Dutch rehabilitation and/or community settings. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. The study was performed from a pragmatic perspective using an integrated knowledge translation approach. Ten professionals who had experience with offering, delivering, and/or implementing lifestyle coaching programs were enrolled. Interview questions focused on participants’ perceptions on implementing the Healthy Habits Coaching in Dutch settings. A directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Participants highlighted the importance of implementing lifestyle coaching tailored to people with physical disabilities. While participants were generally positive about the implementation of Healthy Habits Coaching, they had mixed opinions on its added value alongside existing lifestyle programs and on the core components, particularly the free coaching model and the use of volunteer coaches with lived experience. Participants underlined that for a successful adoption and implementation, the added value, (scientific) foundation, financial basis, and organizational structure of the program should be clearly communicated. Conclusions: The findings provide directions for how, where, and by whom an adapted lifestyle program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities could be implemented in Dutch rehabilitation and community settings. This study demonstrates an example of how an evidence-based lifestyle program can be prepared for implementation in a new setting, presenting an efficient and promising strategy to enhance overall well-being among people with disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Physical and Mental Well-Being in People with Disabilities)
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