The accessibility of fitness centres in Malta

Abstract

Accessibility of fitness centres is a concept which has not been studied in great detail both in Europe and in Malta. The aim of this research study is to investigate the level of accessibility of fitness centres in Malta to gain a better understanding of this situation in our country and to highlight the importance of physical activity in everyday life to aid both psychologically as well as physically. Around 29 fitness centres were contacted to take part in an interview-led questionnaire. Out of the sample contacted, 13 fitness centres accepted. The accessibility Instrument for Measuring Fitness and Recreational Environments (AIMFREE) was used which consisted of 12 sub-sections. An average accessibility score was given for each fitness centre and for each section. The data was then presented through the use of histograms and was discussed accordingly. The study found that overall accessibility in Maltese fitness centres was satisfactory in areas such as access routes and entrance areas, equipment as well as professional behaviour. However, accessibility was not satisfactory in areas such as elevators, bathrooms and parking. No particular trend was identified across other studies since not all countries had the same representation of accessibility. One could therefore conclude that, even though there were areas which proved to be accessible even when compared to other studies, there is still room for improvement as far as awareness is concerned and more studies should be performed regarding this issue.