Which term best describes the physical restrictions experienced by someone with a disability?

The term that best describes the physical restrictions experienced by someone with a disability is functional limitations. This phrase refers specifically to the individual’s reduced ability to perform tasks and activities due to a disability. Functional limitations can affect various aspects of daily living, including mobility, communication, self-care, and other activities that require physical or cognitive effort.

Understanding functional limitations is crucial for fitness professionals, as they directly influence how individuals with disabilities access exercise and engage in physical activity. Recognizing and addressing these limitations allows trainers to develop tailored programs that accommodate the specific needs of individuals, thereby promoting inclusion and maximizing the potential for physical improvement.

The other options provide related but distinct concepts. Participation restrictions refer to the difficulties an individual encounters when attempting to engage in life situations as a result of their condition, rather than the physical limitations themselves. Adaptive capacity relates to an individual's ability to adjust and find new ways to perform tasks despite challenges. Environmental barriers refer to external factors in the environment that may hinder an individual’s full participation in activities. While all these aspects are interconnected in understanding disability and fitness, functional limitations specifically capture the essence of the physical restrictions faced.