The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) Foundation has launched five access pilot programmes in its clubs across the US in an effort to remove barriers to physical activity for people with chronic conditions.

The ACCESS Health Initiative is the foundation’s five-year strategic plan to take down barriers through participant-focused, multi-dimensional wellness schemes.

One pilot programme, funded by the organisation and the American Council on Exercise, is to serve cancer patients in San Diego health clubs.

The foundation will also be addressing the needs of people with disabilities, with projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and New York.

To support the initiatives, the IHRSA Foundation has launched a website, ihrsafoundation.org.

Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have this new platform to showcase the great work being done through the IHRSA Foundation’s ACCESS Health Initiative to improve people’s lives through physical activity."

Moore added: "Now that the pilot programmes have begun, ihrsafoundation.org will help us to get the word out, and of course, assist in raising needed funds for additional programmes."