Physical, mental, and social wellbeing

Participating in sport can help people with disability to improve their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Participating in sport can help to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing and reduce the risk of developing a range of non-communicable diseases and illness. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 16, 77
Guidelines for physical activity and sport for people with disability generally emphasise that there are significant and no major risks for participating in activities that are appropriately based on individual activity levels, health, and physical function. 4
While acknowledging the strengths, resilience, and impact of people with disability, for many reasons, individuals may also have lower levels of physical fitness and overall quality of life compared with the broader population. 1, 4, 12, 32,75, 76
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 'People with Disability in Australia' report shows that: 75
Only 31% of adults with disability rate their health as excellent or very good, compared to 68% of those without disability.
Around a third (32%) of adults with disability rate their health as fair or poor, compared to only 5% without disability.
33% of adults with disability experience a high or very high level of psychological distress (12% without disability).
19% of people with disability between the ages of 15 and 64 experience social isolation (around 1 in 5), compared to 9% of people without disability.
74% of people aged 18 years and over with disability do not do enough physical activity, this is similar to those without disability (71%). However, there are significant differences for people with different types of disability. 86% of people with severe or profound disability do not do enough physical activity compared to those with other disability status (73%).
84% of those with psychosocial and 82% of those with intellectual disability compared to 77% with a physical restriction and 70% of those with a sensory or speech disability. 
Social and mental wellbeingSport, particularly team-based or activities done in groups, can lead to improved social and mental wellbeing, including reduced stress and improved perceptions of quality of life. 4, 37, 46
A 2023 survey for the Activity Alliance in the United Kingdom (UK) found that individuals with disability were more likely to feel lonely (23% always or often lonely compared to 8% of those without disability) and less likely to feel satisfied with their life (5% compared to 17%). However, 65% of people with disability who felt lonely, agreed that being active could help them feel less lonely. 78
A study by the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education in 2023 highlighted that people with intellectual disability had higher rates of mental health conditions (e.g. depression), compared to those without intellectual disability.  The study also found that participation in Special Olympics helped participant’s mental health, with benefits including meaningful physical activity participation, feeling stronger and sleeping better, increased self-efficacy, self-worth and social connection, and building supportive relationships. 32
A 2019 study of competitive swimmers with disability (physical or intellectual) found that their psychological and emotional well-being were 40% higher than individuals who did not participate in competitive swimming. While these results are promising, the authors highlighted that further research is required to determine if the benefits were caused by individuals participating in competitive swimming, rather than simply being a correlation, i.e. that individuals with existing high self-worth might be more likely to start participating in sport. 79
While more research is required, current evidence suggests that sport participation can help to improve the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities with substantial benefits for all. 33
Resources and reading
Trisome Games for athletes with Down syndrome set to see Australian Andre Rivett going for gold, opens in a new tab, ABC, (12 March 2024). When Andre Rivett dons the green and gold it means the world to him. The athlete nicknamed "The Hulk" will next week be the only Australian representing his country on the global stage at the Trisome Games in Antalya, Türkiye. The 26-year-old from Woodridge in Logan City, Queensland, will compete with the biggest smile, a secret weapon, and the hope that one day athletes with Down syndrome will be recognised at the Paralympics. His dad, Steve Rivett, said this was the pinnacle event, held every four years, for athletes with Down syndrome. "We strongly believe that if it hadn't been for athletics, Andre wouldn't be the person he is right now," Steve said. "It's taught him to listen to people that he only sees once a month, once a weekend … [and to] officials overseas, where English isn't their first language. "He's just learnt everything and it's just helped him, in real life, to the extent now where he's working at a cafe and he's able to function around the community. He's just grown so much."
How organized sport can foster and support finding belonging for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, opens in a new tab, Francis Routledge, Runqun (Helen) Zheng, Callum Denault, Rebecca Renwick, SIRC, (21 February 2024). Research about organized sport participation for young adults with IDD has focused primarily on their enjoyment and social opportunities in the context of organized sport participation, like the Special Olympics organizational structure. We took this research to the next step by investigating how organized sport participation may act as a vehicle for fostering a sense of belonging which may also extend into other aspects of community life, such as social relationships, volunteering, and paid work.
‘Next evolution’: Adaptive downhill a first for MTB National Championships, opens in a new tab, Kirrily Carberry, AusCycling, (19 February 2024). Adaptive riders are gearing up to shred at the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships in Lake Macquarie, where for the first time they will have the opportunity to race Downhill as well as XC. While adaptive XC has been included at the national championships since 2017, adding adaptive DH to the upcoming championships in Awaba was the “next evolution” in the sport, AusCycling Executive General Manager Sport Kipp Kaufmann said. “We should always be offering equal opportunity across all our National Championships,” Kaufmann said. Despite the physical, mental, and emotional challenges since her accident, Kehoe has found joy riding her adaptive bike on her home trails with her husband Rick and their friends. “The mental space after going out for a ride is such a positive. It feels like a shot of four Red Bulls afterwards!” Kehoe laughed.
Landmark cerebral palsy study reveals benefits of exercise, opens in a new tab, University of Queensland, (3 January 2024). Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have reported significant gains in cardiovascular fitness and mobility after taking part in a landmark research project led by The University of Queensland. CP is the most common physical disability in childhood with around 600 children diagnosed in Australia every year. People with CP have a 3-fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, compared to the general population – a statistic that hasn’t changed in 30 years. The project uncovered quality of life benefits too. “We found the participants could walk faster which shows we could potentially improve efficiency of movement,” Dr Reedman said. “It would make a big difference to people's quality of life because walking is very taxing on the body for people with CP, so if they’re using less energy, they’ll be less fatigued. “It was also interesting to see people noticing the positive impact of exercise on their physical functioning and ability to do things more easily.
Feeling more confident, active and happier: What the World Dwarf Games mean to the Australian women's basketball team, opens in a new tab, Julie Dickson, Siren Sport/ABC, (5 November 2023). While the Netherlands proved too strong in the gold medal match, the first Australian women's basketball team to play at the World Dwarf Games didn't just bring home a silver medal. They changed the game for short statured women. Kate Colley is one of the newcomers. Before joining the new team, Kate did little exercise. She says training for the Games has helped her to incorporate more exercise into her everyday life and has also boosted her confidence.
Australia is hosting another big football tournament, and 'it means the world' to this community, opens in a new tab, Yumi Oba, SBS, (5 October 2023). The upcoming Para Asian Cup held on Australian soil will be an opportunity for cerebral palsy football to be seen and inspire. Also known as the Para Asian Cup, it is a tournament of cerebral palsy football (CP football), a modified version of football specific to athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms resulting from stroke. Saito says the opportunity to interact with people with the same condition opened a whole new world for him. Going out with people similar to me allowed me to gain so much confidence, "Because I gained confidence from CP football, I started CP swimming, CP running, athletics, CP cross country. It's thanks to CP football." Rob White, CEO of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, says sports can play an important role for the cerebral palsy community, not only for their health and wellbeing, but as an enabler of greater social and community participation.
How para-equestrian challenges disability assumptions and can 'complete a whole human', opens in a new tab, Melissa Marsden, Siren Sport/ABC, (20 September 2023). Jessie Smith has been horse-mad since she was three years old. She began riding, and then started competing as a teenager. "My condition is progressive and incurable," Jessie said. While she continued to compete, the onset of the disease meant she needed to re-train using alternative methods. Jessie says her horses are the only reason she can still walk. Unable to be classified for Para-equestrian due to the complex nature of her disability, she competes in able-bodied dressage with the use of exemptions. For riders with disabilities in particular, horse riding helps make a rider feel physically stronger, and provides a deep emotional connection in a world that can often be isolating and disempowering.
Sailability brings smiles and a sense of freedom on the water for people with disabilities, opens in a new tab, Amanda Cranston, ABC Far North, (10 September 2023). Jason East sits behind the steering wheel of a pontoon boat with nothing but the gentle breeze off the water and the passing sailboats to distract him. "When you're out on the water it's like leaving your disability behind," Mr East says. "We're all equal on the water and there's a real freedom in that."
After growing up Deaf in a hearing town, joining a basketball team opened up Jarrod's world, opens in a new tab, Nas Campanella, Mary Lloyd, ABC, (14 June 2023). As a teenager, Jarrod McEwen-Young avoided going to parties. Profoundly Deaf in both ears, the Gomeroi man found trying to have a conversation among all the other voices and loud music was too stressful. As one of only two Deaf people in his hometown of Gilgandra, on Wiradjuri country in central western New South Wales, growing up was often a lonely experience. "It was hard to fit in at times," he said. "Being around my teammates, seeing how they went out into the world and could be themselves with confidence [gave me confidence]," he said.
How to create a more equitable future for women with a disability in sport, opens in a new tab, Georgia Munro-Cook, Siren Sport/ABC, (26 April 2023). In 2012, my life was abruptly up-ended after a planned routine hip surgery instead uncovered something far worse, which resulted in disability. On top of the excruciating chronic pain, limited walking ability, and constant brain fog, what was the most devastating to me at the time was that I could no longer play the game I love. Basketball was one of the most important parts of my life. It felt like I had lost part of my identity. Then someone suggested playing wheelchair basketball. The thought had never really crossed my mind as, like most people, I assumed you had to use a wheelchair full-time. But this person assured me that actually people with many different types of disability played wheelchair basketball, including many people like me. So, I went and tried it out. And it was incredible — I could play sport again. But it wasn't just the actual game of basketball that was important in regaining my sense of self. My experience playing with the Australian Gliders has helped me come to terms with my disability and learn from others in how to negotiate living in a world that still puts up barriers for so many people with a disability.
Wheelchair basketball immediately hooked Paul Gooda, and the team sport would save his life, opens in a new tab, Erin Semmler, ABC Capricornia, (20 February 2023). "I had my accident in 1982, and so I'm paraplegic," he said. The Ghungalu man said adjusting to life with a disability was a difficult time and he struggled with low self-confidence for years. In 2010, he was convinced to attend a come-and-try event at the Rockwheelers Wheelchair Basketball team in Rockhampton. "I was hooked immediately," Mr Gooda said. "I think it saved my life, without exaggeration, because I'd never played a team sport before and never realised how great playing a team sport could be," he said. "[For] your physical health but also for your mental health, it's just such an endorphin rush and being part of a team — it makes you feel better."
“Everybody can be part of a Taekwondo team”: How Reza Hassani supports NDIS athletes, opens in a new tab, Ciaran O'Mahony, AUSTKD Media, (27 January 2023). Australian Taekwondo’s 2022 Community Coach of the Year, Reza Hassani, is one of the busiest people in the sport. Over the years, Hassani has seen how vital it is for people with disabilities to avoid isolation and find a physical and social outlet. That’s why he began offering free trials to four NDIS clients, encouraging them to jump on the mats and give Taekwondo a try. Hassani’s NDIS athletes are on the Autism spectrum, with varying challenges around learning, communication and social interaction. Research shows that people with autism have elevated levels of anxiety, which can lead to excessive isolation and many other challenges in their everyday lives. Hassani saw Taekwondo as the perfect way for them to tackle these challenges in a safe and welcoming environment. He’d read numerous studies about the ways physical activity can help people Autistic people of all ages to improve key motor skills as well as their social and communication skills. “It’s a strange sport for them, and most of them have never tried it, but when we give them a better picture and a free trial, they understand it better. Taekwondo is all about socialising and movement. Hassani says the key is to pay close attention to each athlete’s physical and mental capabilities. For example, the NDIS athletes had trouble focusing in classes at the beginning. However, once they got used to the structure of his’s classes, they began to feel more comfortable, and better concentration followed.
Blind Sports Australia releases inaugural sport participation data, opens in a new tab, Blind Sports Australia, (12 October 2022). Findings reveal the motivations and barriers to people participating in sport and show opportunities such as boosting female blind sport participation are a priority. While transportation and travel stand out as the single largest obstacle for a person with a vision impairment to play sport. Across the board, people’s motivations for participating in sport are similar with both groups citing health/fitness, competition, socialising/making new friends and connections to the community. People with a vision impairment are more likely to play sport to learn new skills, pursue high performance sport/competition and meet new people.
Physical Activity and Mental Health: Implications for People with Intellectual Disability, opens in a new tab, Meghann Lloyd, Laura St. John, Yona Lunsky, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, (December 2023). The purpose of this brief Is to examine the evidence supporting one of the most effective interventions for promoting positive mental health among those with ID—physical activity. As the following sections make clear, the impact of physical activity on both the physical and mental health of persons without ID has been extensively documented for many years. Meanwhile, exploration of those impacts on individuals with ID is still an emerging— but potentially promising—field. People with ID experience significant health disparities, including higher rates of mental health conditions, compared to their peers who do not have ID. A recent review found that the prevalence of a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis in people with ID was 33.6 percent. The prevalence of depression among persons with ID has been consistently shown to be higher than among those without ID. Research has also found that adults with ID plus a co-occurring mental health condition, when compared to other adults with mental health conditions, have longer hospital stays, more medical comorbidities, more severe symptoms, and fewer support resources.
Not all interventions are accessible to people with ID; for example, there is a lack of trained clinicians for this population. And medications, while helpful for mental health difficulties, have many side effects that can add to the complex health issues experienced by people with ID. While medication interventions and talk therapies can be helpful for some individuals, activity-based interventions could complement more traditional approaches and be effective at promoting mental health. It is critical that evidence-based, accessible, mental health interventions be explored for people with ID.
the current physical activity literature for individuals with ID focuses primarily on physical health outcomes, specifically body composition and aerobic fitness. Fortunately, in the studies that have been conducted there is evidence that physical activity can improve mental health outcomes in persons with ID and other developmental disabilities.
A systematic review of 46 articles by Tint and colleague found that people who participate in Special Olympics exhibit more positive general physical health outcomes, have a more positive psychological and emotional outlook, and are more socially connected than their peers with ID who do not participate in Special Olympics. They also found that participating in Special Olympics was correlated with increased feelings of selfworth and self-esteem, positive emotions, and decreases in challenging behaviors. They conclude it is likely that participating in Special Olympics provides opportunities for participants to practice social skills and form friendships that enhance their social competence, thereby supporting mental health.
While the research has consistently found that by participating in Special Olympics programming, individuals with ID experience a multitude of benefits related to psychological and emotional development, the majority of this research has had small sample sizes; none of this research has been conducted at the population level.
Participating in Special Olympics, even when controlling for other risk factors, is beneficial for the mental health of the participants.
Mental health outcomes from Special Olympics participation: meaningful physical activity participation, Feeling stronger and sleeping better; Increased self-efficacy; Increased self-worth; Increased social connection; Supportive relationships.
Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2022-23, opens in a new tab, Activity Alliance (UK), (June 2023). Activity Alliance releases its fourth Annual Disability and Activity Survey report for 2022-23. The survey is the primary source of insight for organisations working to achieve fairness for disabled people in sport and activity. Key findings include: Disabled people were more likely to say they wanted to be more active compared to non-disabled people (77% vs 54%). This “activity gap” has remained consistent in previous years, showing an ongoing unmet need.
Disabled people are nearly three times more likely than non-disabled people to feel lonely always or often (23% vs 8%).
Over the last four years, there has been an upward trend in disabled people feeling lonelier, while non-disabled people reported steady or decreasing levels of loneliness. Since the start of the pandemic, disabled people were more likely to feel isolated (54% vs 30%).
Nearly two-thirds of disabled people who felt lonely agreed that being active could help them feel less lonely (65%).
Disabled people were also significantly less likely to report high satisfaction with their life (5% vs 17%).
People with disability in Australia, opens in a new tab, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), (April 2024). People with disability in Australia brings together information from a range of national data sources to contribute to a greater understanding about disability in Australia. Some people with disability face challenges routinely and actively participating in everyday life areas (such as employment) and are more likely to experience poor health, discrimination and violence than those without disability.
The Academic and Social-Emotional Impacts of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, opens in a new tab, Andrea Cahn, Jacqueline Jodl, Michelle Yin, et al., Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, (May 2022). Evaluations of the core components of UCS programming, the most central of which is Unified Sports, have demonstrated impressive improvements in students’ social-emotional skills as well as overwhelmingly positive effects on interactions between students with and without ID, both in the United States and globally. In schools that implement UCS programming, perceptions of problems created by having students with ID in the class—such as students with ID taking up too much of the teacher’s time, or other students’ learning being hindered by students with ID—have dropped dramatically. Our evaluations of the UCS model affirm the transformative role of sports as a medium to encourage social inclusion. Previous research on sports-based interventions in various contexts has indicated that sports can provide a valuable framework for generating strong interpersonal relationships built upon trust and confidence, and particularly for promoting social inclusion.
Exercise for Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), (December 2021). This eBook outlines a variety of disabilities that are common to Australians and the role exercise can play in managing the disability and helping with daily living. It has been compiled with the help of ESSA accredited exercise professionals and allied health professionals who work every day with people with a disability to provide not only exercise advice, but also support and resources to improve their health and well-being. For people living with a disability, exercise or physical activity provides a wide range of benefits: It improves stamina and muscle strength – this may really help with some forms of disability.
Keeping active will reduce the risk of chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes).
During exercise, the brain releases endorphins that delivers a feel-good high. This can help ease anxiety and depression, and additionally, lift your mood.
Exercising in a group is a great way to try something different, meet new people and become part of the community. This may help reduce the negative stereotypes around people with disabilities.
You’ll gain the ability to maintain a higher level of independence, sense of freedom and quality of life.
Social Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disabilities: Global Evidence From Special Olympics Unified Schools, opens in a new tab, Michelle Yin, Jacqueline Jodl, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, (December 2021). Through targeted support in 14 countries and territories, Unified Schools has engaged nearly 200,000 youth by providing opportunities for young people with and without ID to participate in a wide range of sporting activities and events. The Unified Schools model creates regular opportunities for the implementation of Unified Sports®, which brings together similarly apportioned teams composed of members with and without ID who train and compete against each other. The evaluation results highlighted in this brief describe the impact of the Unified Schools model on the social inclusion of youth with ID in four countries served by Special Olympics. Though the effect size varied across the participating countries, students with and without ID reported improved social-emotional skills, especially relative to managing relationships and social awareness. Not only did results indicate large positive changes in social-emotional skills, but students without ID reported overwhelmingly positive changes in interactions with and behavior towards students with ID. Positive effects extended to indicators of school culture and climate—including reductions in bullying, teasing, and offensive language—as well as greater awareness of social inclusion as measured by a sense of community and students being proactive in helping others in their school. The most striking finding illustrated that Unified Schools can mitigate and reverse the negative attitudes of peers without ID, which are a leading barrier to students with ID being able to experience inclusive school communities and learning environments. These results suggest a promising path forward to better understanding the long-term impact of inclusive programming on students’ development and behavior towards others, particularly when the students extend their inclusive mindsets (attitudes and behaviors) beyond the schoolhouse to the surrounding communities.
Sport as a Bridge and Connector Among Youth, opens in a new tab, Jacqueline Jodl, Louis Lauria, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, (September 2021). In this brief we consider the evidence base that supports the potential of sport as an agent of change to create schools and communities of inclusion. We begin with the basics—what do we mean by inclusion and what is the difference between integration and inclusion? We then summarize the extensive body of research that demonstrates the role that sport plays to support youth development, with particular emphasis on one of the most marginalized youth populations - those with intellectual disabilities. Not only does sport promote the development of such social and emotional skills as teamwork, conflict resolution, and respect for diversity, but sport contributes to higher levels of social cohesion and inclusion. The key finding is that the benefit of participation is greater for those who are at greater risk of exclusion and marginalization. We follow with an analysis of the impact that sport can have on the collective—whether that is a classroom, school, playing field or community. If barriers to accessibility are removed, the research indicates sport’s greatest impact may prove to be its potential as an instrument of social inclusion and change. Greater frequency of sport participation is correlated with fewer behavior problems among athletes, a more positive coach-athlete relationship, broader community participation, and higher levels of parental support for child involvement. Emerging evidence in the United States indicates a link to improved academic outcomes within schools that implemented Special Olympics programming.
Indigenous Health Education Program, opens in a new tab, Paralympics Australia, (2018-2020). A grant was provided through the federal Department of Health’s Indigenous Australia’s Health Programme enabled Paralympic Australia to undertake a range of activities from 2018-20 developing targeted evidence based chronic disease prevention, health promotion and physical activity education resources and community events to address the increasing incidence of chronic disease in Indigenous people with disability in a culturally acceptable manner. Following are some of the key messages and learnings relating to barriers and enablers for physical activity participation from the project’s community engagement events, consultations and interviews. Research Paper: Benefits and barriers of participation in physical activity for First Nations People with Disability, opens in a new tab, Dr Paul Oliver, Paralympics Australia, (accessed 11 March 2022). Sport can be a very powerful way of engaging First Nations people and providing positive outcomes in the areas of health and welfare.
Physical activity for general health benefits in disabled adults: Summary of a rapid evidence review for the UK Chief Medical Officers’ update of the physical activity guidelines, opens in a new tab, Brett Smith, Nathalie Kirby, Bethany Skinner, et.al., Public Health England, (October 2018). Disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive when compared to non-disabled people. This report provides a review of the scientific evidence of the health benefits for physical activity specifically for disabled adults. Evidence shows a relationship between engaging in physical activity and positive health outcomes for disabled adults. It is concluded that for substantial health gains disabled adults should do 150 minutes of physical activity at a moderate to vigorous intensity. They should also do 2 sets of challenging strength and balance exercises 2 times per week. Little evidence was found to show that physical activity is unsafe for disabled adults when it is performed at an appropriate dose for their current level of activity and health conditions.
Effects of sport or physical recreation for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities: a systematic review with meta-analysis, opens in a new tab, Leanne Hassett, Marnee McKay, Jenni Cole, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 58(5), pp.269-277, (March 2024). Seventy-four trials (n=2954; mean age 55 years) were included. Most (70) trials included people with physical disabilities, none evaluated sport and the most common physical recreation activities tested were traditional Chinese exercise (35%), yoga (27%) and dance (18%). Mean frequency and duration was 65 min/session, two times per week for 13 weeks. Most (86%) interventions were led by people with experience and/or training in the recreation activity, and only 37% reported leader experience and/or training working with people with disabilities. Participation was measured as attendance (mean 81%, 30 intervention groups). Physical recreation improved mobility and walking endurance with low certainty evidence and balance and quality of life with very low certainty evidence, but not walking speed. Physical recreation may confer multiple benefits for people living with disabilities regardless of the activity chosen, thus offering a potentially enjoyable and scalable strategy to increase physical activity.
Relationships between sport and exercise participation and subjective well-being among adults with physical disabilities: Is participation quality more important than participation quantity? , opens in a new tabKathleen Martin Ginis, Cameron Gee, Adrienne Sinden, et al., Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 70, 102535, (January 2024). Sport and exercise participation are associated with small, albeit positive changes in subjective well-being (SWB). Recent theorizing has emphasized the importance of distinguishing between performance aspects (i.e., frequency, intensity, time engaged) and the experiential aspects of sport and exercise participation among people with disabilities. This study assessed the relative contributions of time spent participating in sport and exercise (a performance measure) versus measures of participation experiences, in explaining variance in SWB. Participants were 535 adults with physical disabilities, recruited through a nation-wide survey, who participated in sport (n = 271; 62% male; 44 ± 14 years) or exercise (n = 264; 42% male; 57 ± 14 years). They completed measures of minutes/week of sport or exercise participation, experiential aspects of participation, and SWB (overall life satisfaction, satisfaction with physical, psychological and social life-domains, and positive/negative affect). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed minutes/week of sport did not explain significant variance in any SWB measure, but sport participation experiences explained significant variance (9.2%–20.9%) in all SWB measures (p < 0.05). Similarly, minutes/week of exercise explained significant variance only in physical life-domain satisfaction (ΔR2 = 2.6%, p = 0.026), but exercise participation experiences explained significant variance (4.8%–10.7%) in all SWB measures (p < 0.05). Experiences of belonging and mastery were particularly strong, consistent predictors across SWB outcomes. These results suggest participation experiences better explain relationships between sport and exercise participation and SWB than time spent performing sport and exercise. Findings have implications for designing future studies to test the effects of sport and exercise on SWB, and developing theories and interventions to explain and maximize the use of sport and exercise to improve SWB in adults with disabilities.
Benefits of Adaptive Sport on Physical and Mental Quality of Life in People with Physical Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis, opens in a new tab, Eva Isidoro-Cabañas, Francisco Javier Soto-Rodríguez, Francisco Manuel Morales-Rodríguez, et al., healthcare, Volume 11(18), 2480, (September 2023). The practice of adaptive sports exhibited a positive influence on the mental quality of life of adults with physical disabilities. To our knowledge, this meta-analysis is the first that includes primary studies involving adults with physical disabilities who participate in adaptive sports, regardless of the underlying pathology. Adaptive sport could be considered a potential stand-alone public health intervention, providing new perspectives and motivating individuals with physical disabilities to actively engage in their own health process. Based on the obtained results, the promotion of adaptive sports should be considered at a policy level, encouraging greater investment and support as a health resource. However, further studies are needed to confirm the data obtained in this meta-analysis.
Physical activity and sport practice to improve balance control of visually impaired individuals: a narrative review with future perspectives, opens in a new tab, Giuditta Carretti, Mirko Manetti, Mirca Marini, Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Volume 5, (September 2023). Visual disability negatively impacts balance, everyday self-efficacy, and mobility and often leads affected subjects to perceive physical exercise as a burdensome challenge thus discouraging them from practicing. Despite the well-proven benefits of regular physical activity in visually impaired people, especially addressing postural control, there are no specific guidelines and most of the available literature seems to be flawed by critical issues. Given the wide heterogeneity and the multidimensional needs of this population, a more realistic and target-specific perspective is needed in order to properly investigate and promote exercise practice and adherence for balance improvement. On this basis, through a critical overview of the recent literature, the present article aimed to enrich the current knowledge about this topic by providing innovative suggestions, both practical and methodological, and specifically deepening the disability-related deficits and peculiarities of different age ranges. Moreover, since a multidisciplinary approach is advisable when designing and leading exercise protocols tailored to visually impaired individuals, such innovative hints also highlighted the central role of the adapted physical activity specialist, hence contributing to foster its official professional recognition and involvement in this field.
Barriers to Physical Activity for Women with Physical Disabilities: A Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Jurgi Olasagasti-Ibargoien, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro, Patxi León-Guereño, et al., Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, Volume 8(2), 82, (June 2023). Physical activity is essential for women with physical disabilities. This review aims to identify the barriers they face in practicing sport. There is sufficient theoretical evidence on the benefits of sporting activity; in the case of people with disabilities, it contributes to their functional independence, improves their physical condition, performance and physical capacity, favors the prevention and correction of deformities and postural defects, reduces stress, improves self-confidence, emotional state, relationships with others, and enjoyment and interest, among other things. However, a second important finding of this review is that barriers related to physical disability, such as health, mobility, or the degree of dependence on others, also prevent women from practicing sport, thus reducing the possibility of appropriating all the benefits mentioned above.
The Effects of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sports Programs on Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Disabilities: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis, opens in a new tab, Miguel Jacinto, Diogo Monteiro, Joana Oliveira, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 20(12), 6134, (June 2023). This systematic review with meta-analysis showed that participants in any intervention program (physical activity, exercise, and sports program) have more probability of decreasing depressive symptoms when compared to the control group (namely intellectual and physical disabilities populations). Furthermore, it points out that physical activity, exercise, and sports may be good methods to promote well-being, mental health, and quality of life also in individuals with disabilities. However, experimental studies are scarce, particularly RCTs that study the relationship between variables and have limited our results and conclusions. The present work could not mention guidelines on the ideal prescription to reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with disabilities, given the heterogeneity of interventions. However, analyzing the studies included in the present meta-analysis, interventions of a social and competitive nature (the practice of sports) seem to produce greater effects, requiring further research.
The Impact of Wheelchair Tennis on the Lives of Youth with Disabilities and their Families, opens in a new tab, Greta Franceska Jermolenko, Michelle Grenier, Aija Klavina, Palaestra, Volume 37(2), (June 2023). In recent years, research on the benefits of physical activity and sport for disabled youth has received scholarly attention. For example, adapted or inclusive youth sport has been put forth as a facilitator of both health-enhancing physical activity and psychosocial development for disabled youth. Disability sport can also be a tool for social change by challenging issues of isolation and inequality (Richardson et al., 2017), particularly in non-westernized cultures. However, research on the benefits of disability sports is limited to North American or western European contexts. In this article, we examined the participation of disabled young athletes, their families and coaches from the country of Latvia in the sport of wheelchair tennis. Qualitative methodology revealed three themes: (1) Making New Friends, (2) Becoming Stronger, (3) and Being Part of a Group. For the athletes, their families, and coaches, wheelchair tennis was not simply about playing the sport, but learning to overcome multiple challenges (e.g., environmental and psychological barriers, social attitudes), enriching their social experiences and improving the quality of lives.
Well-Being, Resilience and Social Support of Athletes with Disabilities: A Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Tânia Mira, Aldo Costa, Miguel Jacinto, et al., Behavioral Sciences, Volume 13(5), 389, (May 2023). Sport for people with disabilities appears to play a positive role in the well-being, resilience and social support of athletes with disabilities. Thus, this systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of adapted sport on the well-being, resilience and social support in a population with disabilities. The Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus databases were used, with several descriptors and Boolean operators. A total of 287 studies were identified through searching the databases. After the data extraction process, twenty-seven studies were included for analysis. In general, these studies show that adapted sport has a positive impact on the levels of well-being, resilience and social support resources for people with disabilities, contributing to their personal development, quality of life and integration into society. Considering the impact on the variables studied, these results are important to support and encourage the development of adapted sport.
Game Changers: A participatory action research project for/with students with disabilities in school sport settings, opens in a new tab, Daniel Robinson, Sebastian Harenberg, William Walters, et al., Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Volume 5, (April 2023). Although school communities may be required to provide physical education opportunities for all students—including for those with disabilities—the same is not generally true with respect to school sport (i.e., participation in interscholastic or intramural sport programs). Hence, opportunities for inclusive school sport participation are consequently limited. Recognizing the need for continued attention and action in this area, we recently developed and piloted Game Changers—a participatory action research project. Strictly positive findings, among others, relate to the following: improving upon students' perceived competence and autonomy, inviting student voice, identifying and responding to sport participation barriers, and creating genuine sport opportunities within school settings. More undesirable yet informative findings, among others, relate to the following: unachieved intrinsic motivation and belonging, (un)sustainability of sport programs without “interventions” like Game Changers, recreation/leisure as “substitutes” for sport, and a continued want for authentic leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Badminton Improves Executive Function in Adults Living with Mild Intellectual Disability, opens in a new tab, Yifan Wang, Xueping Wu, Huawei Chen, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 29(4), 3673, (February 2023). Adults with intellectual disability have limited executive function—which includes working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control subcomponents—making their ability to live independently challenging. The present study explored whether a badminton intervention program could improve the executive function of adults living with a mild intellectual disability, but with no physical disability. This randomized controlled study randomly assigned 30 adults with mild intellectual disabilities recruited from Shanghai Sunshine bases in Shanghai (20 males and 10 females; mean age, 35.80 (3.93) years) to a badminton intervention program (n = 15, training for 12 weeks, 3 times/week, 60 min each time) or the control group (n = 15), which received a typical physical education course consisting primarily of gymnastics. Correct response rates and response times on the Stroop test, n-back task, and task switching were analyzed using two-way analyses of variance, followed by simple effects tests to evaluate inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, respectively, before and after the badminton intervention. No significant difference was detected between the badminton group and the control group for their pre-test scores on any subcomponent of executive function. A 2 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant increase in accuracy in the inhibitory control task for the badminton group after the intervention. In addition, the accuracy rate and reaction time in a working memory task were significantly improved in the badminton group after the intervention. Although some improvement in cognitive flexibility was observed for this group after the intervention, it was not statistically significant. In the control group, there was no significant difference in any executive function subcomponents after the intervention. These results suggest that badminton may be used as an effective intervention to improve the executive function of adults with a mild intellectual disability and that our protocol may inform future badminton exercise intervention programs.
Health Outcomes of Physical Activity Interventions in Adults With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Brantley Ballenger, Emma Schultz, Melody Dale, et al., Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Volume 40(2), pp.378-402, (2023). This systematic review examined whether physical activity interventions improve health outcomes in adults with Down syndrome (DS). We searched PubMed, APA PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycARTICLES, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection using keywords related to DS and physical activity. We included 35 studies published in English since January 1, 1990. Modes of exercise training programs included aerobic exercise, strength training, combined aerobic and strength training, aquatic, sport and gaming, and aerobic and strength exercise interventions combined with health education. The evidence base indicates that aerobic and strength exercise training improve physical fitness variables including maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate, upper and lower body strength, body weight, and body fat percentage. Sport and gaming interventions improve functional mobility, work task performance, and sport skill performance. We concluded that adults with DS can accrue health benefits from properly designed physical activity and exercise interventions.
Moving together is better: a systematic review with meta-analysis of sports-focused interventions aiming to improve physical activity participation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, opens in a new tab, Ricardo Rodrigues de Sousa Junior, Deisiane Oliveira Souto, Ana Cristina Resende Camargos, et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 45(15), pp.2398-2408, (2023). Ten RCTs were selected with different modalities, mostly for ambulant children and adolescents. Significant pooled effects on participation in leisure-time physical activity were seen only in group interventions (modified sports, gross motor training, and fitness training), in comparison with control. No pooled effects were seen in participation in other life areas in comparison with control. Current certainty of evidence of all sports-focused interventions included was moderate due to imprecision. Positive results on leisure-time participation were seen at short-term follow-up for group interventions. Sports-focused interventions did not improve participation in other life areas, reinforcing the importance of specificity when conducting participation interventions. Studies investigating sports-focused interventions including non-ambulatory individuals are still necessary.
Optimising health equity through para sport, opens in a new tab, Kristina Fagher, Stephanie DeLuca, Wayne Derman, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 57(3), pp.131-132, (2023). Physical activity and sports participation lead to several benefits in the general population, including improvements in physical and mental health, the development of social skills, and positively impacting health economics through disease prevention and treatment. Likewise, exercise and sports participation provide many health benefits to people with disabilities. Provides a brief overview of the benefits of sport for persons with disability for cardiometabolic health, strength, functional status and adaptive skills, brain health and social inclusion, and some solutions to promote health through para sport.
Effects of a Long-Term Adapted Judo Program on the Health-Related Physical Fitness of Children with ASD, opens in a new tab, Emanuela Pierantozzi, José Morales , David Fukuda, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 19(24), 16731, (December 2022). Physical fitness is one of the most important physical and mental health aspects for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to test the effects of a long-term adapted judo program on the health-related physical fitness of children with ASD. The participants were recruited from various associations of families and schools for children with special needs. Twenty-one children were assigned to an experimental group and nineteen to a control group. The experimental group participated in a six-month adapted judo program consisting of 90 min of practice each week. Health-related physical fitness was measured using the indicators obtained from the ALPHA-fitness battery, the estimated VO2max and the waist/height ratio0.5. Changes within and between groups were analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures designs and test-retest reliability of tests requiring a maximum score using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). A judo program tailored for children with ASD can improve the cardio-metabolic health and cardiorespiratory fitness of its participants. The problems involved with administering physical aptitude tests that involve maximum effort or performance in children with ASD cast serious doubts on the reproducibility of their results.
Improving motor skills and psychosocial behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder through an adapted judo program, opens in a new tab, Jose MoralesJose Morales, Emanuela Pierantozzi, David Fukuda, et al., Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 13, (November 2022). The most important conclusions of this study are that participating in a 6-months adapted judo program improved the motor skills and psychosocial behaviors of children with ASD. We can also conclude that there is a close relationship between motor skills and psychosocial behaviors, as the children with greater severity of autism-related behaviors were likely to display poorer motor skills. Meanwhile, the adaptation of the judo program increases its efficiency and could help participants adapt better to their everyday lives and improve their quality of life. In the present work, we have presented judo-specific content and instructional cues that could help apply the judo program to young people with ASD. Future research is warranted to study the effects of adapted judo programs in adults with ASD or other intellectual disabilities.
Understanding sport as a vehicle to promote positive development among youth with physical disabilities, opens in a new tab, Amanda McKinnon, Rebecca Bassett-Gunter, Jessica Fraser-Thomas, et al., Journal of Sport for Development, Volume 10(2), (October 2022). Research has explored the benefits and challenges associated with sport participation among youth with physical disabilities (YWPD), however few studies have attempted to understand how sport may facilitate or hinder positive development. Positive youth development (PYD) is a widely used approach to understand youth development through sport, however limited research exists among YWPD. To address this gap, the study adopted Holt and colleagues’ (2017) model of PYD through sport to (a) uncover YWPD’s perspectives on the developmental outcomes associated with organized sport participation and (b) understand perceived social-contextual factors influencing these outcomes. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted among YWPD (N = 9; age between 14-21; seven male participants, two female participants). Outcomes discussed were mostly positive, though some participants reported negative outcomes. Participants experienced positive physical, social, and personal outcomes including the development of life skills. Positive outcomes were largely influenced by a sport climate that was supportive and encouraging, facilitated personal growth and athletic development, and promoted a sense of community and connectedness. These findings further our understanding of the utility of organized sport as a context to promote PYD among YWPD, and suggest that fostering experiences of mastery, belonging, challenge, and autonomy may be critically important.
Use of Frame Running for Adolescent Athletes With Movement Challenges: Study of Feasibility to Support Health and Participation, opens in a new tab, Theresa Sukal-Moulton, Tara Egan, Larke Johnson, et al., Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Volume 4, (March 2022). The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a sport-based youth development running program modified for accessibility using a running frame and to evaluate initial evidence for its efficacy on endurance and functional strength. We completed four 8-week seasons (2–3 times per week) in a combination of 3 different formats by season: online remote (winter and spring), in person in a community park (winter, spring, and summer), and in person in an afterschool setting (autumn). Qualitatively, we completed 21 interviews (18 for athletes at the end of their season, 1 paraprofessional, and 2 teachers), and 6 coaches/Chicago Run staff contributed to field notes. We found a few themes in our data. The most common sentiment was an enjoyment of physical activity and happiness to be moving and active after the time spent in isolation during COVID-related quarantine. Within this overall theme, athletes noted that they liked using the running frames to move, and also enjoyed interacting with peers in a team setting. Athletes expressed opinions such as “exercising is winning,” and “it is been a while since I have been outside and it was so nice to see everyone.” One athlete's paraprofessional noted that he was more positive throughout the day during the running program, and that he expressed sadness about it coming to an end. In addition, our field notes detailed several instances of informal leadership and strong team behaviors, including verbal encouragement for elevated performance between athletes, providing clear instructions to one another during a tethered obstacle course, and a younger athlete sharing with coaches that they looked up to one of the older athletes and their abilities. A second theme identified was pride for goal accomplishment and noticing results related to effort put into the running program. Specifically, there was a lot of positive expressions related to the community run. A third theme identified in field notes and interviews was the impact of the community environment on the athletes' efforts and pride in participating. In winter, spring and summer, our celebration race was held at a community race where we had the opportunity to raise awareness about athletes with movement disabilities within our local community. Fellow runners and spectators demonstrated support and encouragement that athletes said increased their enjoyment and pride of accomplishment. Our autumn season celebration race was held in the school, and was attended by parents of the athletes as well as other students attending a different afterschool program. Notably, we observed non-disabled peers of the athletes spontaneously voiced words of support, made signs of encouragement, and cheered for the duration of the race, with some spectators noting, “I am so proud of them.”
‘Life is team play’: social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the context of Special Olympics, opens in a new tab, Piritta Asunta, Elina Hasanen, Florian Kiuppis, et.al., Sport in Society, (February 2022). This article provides insights from an empirical study on the meaning of social inclusion for Finnish athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) who participate in Special Olympics (SO). A further objective was to explore the athletes’ perceptions of the role SO has played in their lives regarding their personal experiences of social inclusion. Data were transcripts of five focus group interviews carried out with a total of 31 participants during the last SO World Winter Games in 2017. The content was analysed with the aim of identifying the main themes in the athletes’ conversations about social inclusion. Three main themes were identified: inclusion as a contrast to past discrimination; inclusion as receiving and providing assistance; and inclusion as participation in teamwork. The results indicate that SO and arguably sport more generally can assist people with ID in moving forward on a path from being excluded toward social inclusion.
Youth participation in a wheelchair tennis program from a social relational perspective, opens in a new tab, Michelle Grenier, Aija Klavina, Lauren Lieberman, et.al., Sport Education and Society, (January 2022). The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of a wheelchair tennis program from the perspective of youth athletes, their caregivers and coaches through the lens of the social-relational model of disability. Data collection included field notes, focus group interviews and semi-structured individual interviews with six wheelchair tennis athletes (four males, two females) and eight adults (four mothers, one father and one grandmother, one program coordinator and one wheelchair tennis coach). Two primary themes linked to both positive and negative experiences were identified: (1) disablism in everyday life, and (2) constructing ‘competent’ identities on the tennis court. The themes, taken together, describe the challenges faced, and the accomplishments achieved by the athletes and their families within a culture that marked them as different.
Assessing changes in the self-reported community inclusion of persons with intellectual disability: contrasts between participants in Special Olympics and non-participants, opens in a new tab, Florian Pochstein, Roy McConkey, Sport in Society, Volume 25(9), pp.1793-1804, (2022). A crucial of aim of Special Olympics (SO) is the promotion of social inclusion for persons with intellectual disability (ID). A transnational study had devised an easy-to-use, instrument to obtain valid data from people with ID. The present study tested the sensitivity of the instrument in two ways. Scores of three sets of participants in SO (n = 231) were compared to those of pupils from special schools (n = 87) and with people living in sheltered workshops (n = 92), none of whom participated in SO. Second, the sheltered workshop participants were supported to join SO clubs and pre-post comparisons were undertaken of their inclusion ratings eight months later. Results showed a clear distinction between the scores across the SO participants and with the non-participants. Moreover there was a significant impact on participants’ community inclusion scores on joining SO. Thus this simple, self-report measure is sensitive to detecting changes across different samples and over time.
Adaptive Sports in Spinal Cord Injury: a Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Ramsey Rayes, Charlotte Ball, Kenneth Lee, et al., Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, Volume 10, pp.145-153, (2022). Adaptive sports (AdS) have been shown to have positive health benefits as well as positive psychosocial benefits. Para-athletes often must overcome a variety of barriers to participation, such as transportation, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors. Facilitators to participation have also been identified, including pre-injury interest in sports, male sex, younger age, and more. In addition to well-known sports like handcycling and wheelchair basketball, adaptive sport continues to evolve, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now including virtual options and E-sports. Para-athletes are also being more closely monitored and evaluated pre, peri, and post competition for injury and injury prevention, including in the realm of concussion management, requiring healthcare professionals, coaches, players, and all to gain further knowledge in adaptive sport and the participating para-athletes.
The community inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability: a transnational study of the impact of participating in Special Olympics, opens in a new tab, Roy McConkey, Sabine Menke, Sport in Society, Volume 25(9), pp.1756-1765, (2022). People with intellectual disability (ID) are often socially excluded from their local communities. Special Olympics aims to promote inclusion through their participation in sport and more recently through their Unified Sports Program. This transnational study, involving nearly 1000 athletes from 10 countries, examined their community participation through individual interviews using a specially developed questionnaire. Comparable data were also obtained from over 200 non-disabled partners in Unified Sports. Athletes involved with Special Olympics reported less inclusion in local communities than their non-disabled partners. However, there was no significant differences in the extent of inclusion experienced by athletes in Unified Sports or traditional Special Olympic activities. In both these settings, athletes and partners who felt more included when participating in sports were more likely to report greater inclusion in local communities. Future research needs to explore the processes through which sport promotes social inclusion and examine the social networks that are created.
Dream team – team sports in a community of adults with intellectual disability: How can participation in team sports develop the social competencies of people with intellectual disability?, opens in a new tab Rosita Olvhøj, Tobias Knudgaard Jensen, Jacob Wienecke, et al., Sport in Society, Volume 25(10), pp.2162-2177, (2022). Participation in social communities is vital for all human beings. People with intellectual disability (ID) have fewer opportunities to engage and participate in social communities with peers and are therefore often exposed to loneliness and marginalization caused by social, psychological, and physical challenges. Previous studies describe how participation in team sports and other sports activities provides opportunities to build relationships, have influence, develop communication skills and thereby develop social competencies. Nevertheless, research enlightening how people with ID can develop social competencies through sports activities is very limited. This practice-oriented research project was conducted at a sports school, which offers daily sports and movement activities for adults with ID. The purpose of this study is to enlighten how participation in team sports at the school can develop social competencies in this target group. It was conducted through phenomenological and narrative inspired observations, which were analysed using theories about community, membership, bodily communication, and synchronization between individuals. The results show how team sport gives the students opportunities to experience membership in a social community, develop communication skills, and have synchronized experiences with others who have similar challenges. These experiences with synchronized energies, movements, and emotions, provide them with opportunities to experience valuable social moments with peers, which can form foundations for development.
SPORTS STARS: a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Activity and participation outcomes of a randomised controlled trial, opens in a new tab, Georgina Clutterbuck, Megan Auld, Leanne Johnston, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 44(6), pp.947-955, (2022). Sports Stars included eight-weeks (eight hours) of physiotherapist-led, sports-specific gross motor activity training, sports education, teamwork development and confidence building. Sports participation was measured using self-identified participation goals. Physical competence was measured with mCOPM activity goals and high-level gross motor batteries and walking, running, jumping, and throwing. General participation and quality of life were also measured. Outcomes were measured pre, post and 12-weeks post-intervention. Sports Stars improves performance and satisfaction in sports-specific participation and activity goals for ambulant children with CP. Sports Stars improves sports-specific physical activity competence in locomotor and object control skills. Sport-specific interventions should incorporate sport-specific gross motor activity training as well as sports education, confidence building and teamwork.
SPORTS STARS: a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for ambulant, school-aged children with cerebral palsy. Parent and physiotherapist perspectives, opens in a new tab, Georgina Clutterbuck, Megan Auld, Leanne Johnston, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 44(6), pp.956-965, (2022). Parent and physiotherapist perspectives of Sports Stars: a novel, practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention were collected from Sports Stars Session Reports (39 children, 6–12 years), Fidelity Evaluations (28 children), and Perspectives Surveys (Parents = 29; Physiotherapists = 8). Outcomes were perceived impact on: (1) sports Participation (Attendance, Involvement), (2) sports Activity Competence across Physical, Social, Cognitive and Psychological Physical Literacy domains and (3) overall acceptability. Parents and physiotherapists agree that Sports Stars improved sports Participation and Physical, Social, Psychological and Cognitive Activity Competence for children with cerebral palsy. Children with sports-focused goals should be offered practitioner-led, peer-group sports interventions in community environments. Therapists should design sports interventions with Physical, Cognitive, Social and Psychological content and outcomes.
Goalball as a Factor of Physical Rehabilitation of Students with Visual Impairments, opens in a new tab, Kokhan, Sergey; Romanova, Elena; Nadeina, Luiza; et.al., Palaestra, Volume 35(3), (September 2021). Goalball is a team sport for the blind and people with visual impairments. It is known that the level of physical development of young men with visual impairments lags far behind young people with normal vision. The aim of the paper is to study the influence of the training process of playing goalball on the physical development of students with visual impairments and the control results of the participation of such students in sports tournaments. The experiment (group 1) involved 12 students (blind students and students with visual impairments) who expressed a desire to train and learn how to play goalball, and participate in amateur competitions. The control group (2) consisted of 12 deaf students engaged only in adapted physical education. The research methods included the assessment of speed and strength endurance, flexibility and coordination ability between the two groups. The results of speed and strength endurance in the experimental group are significantly higher than in the control group. The flexion force of both hands increased over the entire observation period: on the right hand - up to 6.5 kg, on the left hand - 3, 9 kg. The difference in the results between groups 1 and 2 was: on the right hand - 4.2 kg., on the left hand - 2.8 kg. At the final testing the result of push-ups from the floor was 2,1 times higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Also, the systematic practice of goalball influenced the accuracy of shots on goal and the average range of throwing the ball, an increase of 28.3%. The growth of physical activity at the lessons of goalball and adapted physical education increased by 7.5 hours per week. The results of the training reflected on the teamwork and the quality of playing practice and the indicators of sports performances.
Parents’ Perspectives on Adaptive Sports in Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Marion Neyroud and Christopher Newman, children, Volume 8(9), (September 2021). Children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) need adaptations to participate in sports and it is more difficult for them to access these activities. We investigated the effects of adaptive sports in children with PIMD as perceived by their parents. The parents answered a postal questionnaire exploring the effects of adaptive sports during the 3 days following an activity. The questionnaire explored twelve domains of children’s daily lives, such as sleep and appetite. We calculated a composite score, including all of these domains, to assess whether the children globally benefited from adaptive sports. Of the families, 27/63 responded (participation 42.9%). Four domains improved after the sports activity in an important proportion of children (improvement in 64.0% of children for wellbeing, 57.6% for mood, 56.0% for comfort and 48.1% for sleep). Among the majority of children, the other eight domains remained mostly stable. Three quarters of parents reported a globally positive effect of adapted physical activities on their child. These findings support the further development and provision of adaptive sports for children with severe neurological impairments.
Sports Participation, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Fitness in Youth With Chronic Diseases or Physical Disabilities: The Health in Adapted Youth Sports Study, opens in a new tab, Lankhorst, Kristel; Takken, Tim; Zwinkels, Maremka, et.al., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Volume 35(8), pp.2327-2337, (August 2021). Youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD) often show reduced fitness and physical activity (PA) levels and participate less in organized sports compared with healthy peers. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between participation in sports and health-related fitness and PA in youth with CDPD. A total of 163 subjects (mean age 14 years; range 8–19 years) with CDPD were included in this cross-sectional study, with 81 participating in organized sports and 82 not. Subjects were recruited between October 2014 and November 2016. Aerobic and anaerobic fitness, agility, and muscle strength were assessed in the laboratory, whereas PA was monitored in daily life using accelerometry during 1 week. Results show that youth with CDPD participating in organized sports 2 times a week performed better on all outcome measures. They reached a higher peak oxygen uptake (difference of 4.9 ml O2·kg−1·min−1, P = 0.001) compared with their peers not participating in sports. Also, anaerobic fitness, agility, muscle strength, and PA were all positively associated with sports participation. Moreover, the association between sports participation and aerobic fitness was mediated by PA for 31% (P = 0.045). In conclusion, participation in sports is associated with both higher levels of PA and health-related fitness in youth with CDPD. Promotion and stimulation of participation in sports seems a good way to promote health-related fitness as well as a healthy active lifestyle in youth with CDPD.
Participation of people living with disabilities in physical activity: a global perspective, opens in a new tab, Prof Kathleen Martin Ginis, Hidde P van der Ploeg, Prof Charlie Foster, The Lancet, Volume 398(10298), pp.443-455, (July 2021). For the purposes of this Series paper, we did a systematic review, identifying 36 meta-analysis studies in which a physical activity prescription, programme, or intervention was implemented among children, adolescents, or adults with a disability, and one or more cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic, or mental or brain health outcomes were measured. 33 meta-analyses reported significant effects in favour of intervention versus control groups. Overall, the meta-analyses consistently reported significant positive effects of physical activity on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. More than half the meta-analyses of cardiometabolic outcomes reported non-significant effects. Results for mental or brain health were mixed. The physical activity epidemiological evidence base for PLWD tends to be siloed within medicalised conditions rather than being built across all populations, and most disability-related research has focused on improving function rather than health. Overall, there is evidence that PLWD can derive some of the physical activity benefits observed in the general population. The relatively small number of adequately powered studies might explain some of the inconsistencies. The reviews also show that the epidemiology of physical activity in PLWD is an under-researched area, in need of more high-quality studies to better estimate the health risks and benefits of physical activity for different populations and to identify the amounts of physical activity that maximise health benefits.
Injuries, practices and perceptions of Australian wheelchair sports participants, opens in a new tab, Osmotherly PG; Thompson E; Rivett DA; et.al., Disability and Health Journal, Volume 14(2), 101044, (April 2021). Members of Wheelchair Sports New South Wales (WSNSW) completed a questionnaire developed from interviews with sports participants. Items examined demographics, sports played, injuries sustained, prevention and management practices, benefits and barriers to participation. Injury types and their management were collected for the previous 12 months. Seventy-one questionnaires were returned. Injuries were sustained by 59% of respondents, with 28% reporting injuries in the past twelve months. Injuries most frequently affected the shoulder (25%), were primarily muscle strains (32%), and commonly caused by contact (48%). Injury prevention strategies were reported by 75% of respondents most commonly involving warm-up and stretching activities. Participation benefits included improvements in fitness (85%), opportunities for friendship (83%), improvements in self-care abilities (83%) and setting/achieving goals (91%). Barriers included cost of sports wheelchairs (68%), availability of competitions/competitors (62%), and distance required for travel for training/competition (71%).
The First Global Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Guidelines for People Living With Disability, opens in a new tab, Catherine Carty, Hidde van der Ploeg, Stuart Biddle, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 18(1), pp.86-93, (2021). Disability negatively impacts opportunities to gain health benefits, mitigate health risks, and improve health outcomes through physical activity and limiting sedentary behavior. People living with disability are at least twice as likely to be physically inactive as those without disability, increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases and comorbidities, while also being potentially detrimental for mental health and social well-being. Lower participation reflects additional barriers faced by people with disability, including physical, personal, social, and environmental barriers. Creating opportunities for inclusion in physical activity for people living with disability can help eliminate such barriers by changing perceptions, emphasizing strengths and abilities, promoting personal resilience, and having an onward impact on inclusion in society. The aims of this paper are to (1) summarize the process and evidence that informed the first global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior for people living with disability, (2) present the guidelines, (3) discuss how these guidelines can support policy implementation in physical activity and sedentary behavior in the context of human rights and disability inclusion, and (4) present 10 areas for advancing inclusive practice in physical activity and sedentary behavior for people living with disability. Due to the lack of evidence on sedentary behavior and health outcomes among people living with disability, the evidence from the general population was considered. The GDG concluded that there was no reason to believe that the health outcomes of limiting sedentary behavior would be any different in people living with disability. It was therefore agreed, based on expert opinion, that the evidence on sedentary behavior and countering high levels of sedentary behavior through undertaking lighter and more moderate to vigorous physical activity from general populations could be extrapolated to people living with disability. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to indirectness. Replacing sedentary behavior with light-intensity physical activity is especially important for people who are the least active and people with mobility impairments who spend much or all day sitting or lying down and for whom moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity may present a challenge.
The guidelines stress that there are no major risks to people living with disability engaging in physical activity when it is appropriate to an individual’s current activity level, health status, and physical function and that the health benefits accrued generally outweigh the risks. Importantly, all physical activity counts, including light-intensity physical activity.
Up on the hill: the experiences of adaptive snow sports, opens in a new tab, Olga Mavritsakis, Michelle Treschow, Delphine Labbé, et.al., Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 43(15), pp.2219-2226, (2021). Adaptive snow sports provide people with disabilities opportunities to develop community, engage in new and meaningful experiences, and to overcome challenges. The accounts given by people with disabilities of their experiences in adaptive snow sports suggest that key factors for participation are the involvement of student-centered instructors and the provision of adaptive equipment.
Sport participation after the HandbikeBattle: benefits, barriers, facilitators from the event—a follow-up survey, opens in a new tab, Sonja de Groot, Ingrid Kouwijzer, Linda Valent, et.al., Spinal Cord Series and Cases, Volume 6, Article number: 54, (June 2020). Handcyclists who took part in one or more HandbikeBattle events in 2013–2017 were invited to complete a survey in December 2018. Questions were asked on benefits of participating in this event, current sport participation, and experienced barriers and facilitators regarding current sport participation. Respondents (N = 96 (N = 59 with spinal cord injury (SCI) or Spina Bifida (SB)), response rate = 47%) reported benefits from this event regarding their fitness level (90%), personal development (81%), daily life activities (66%), and health (64%). Median current sport participation was 5 h/week (IQR: 3–8). Most frequently indicated personal barriers for sports participation were: lack of time (31%), disability (17%), and pain (15%). Most frequently mentioned environmental barriers were: transportation time to sport accommodation (19%), and lack of peers to do sports with (16%). Most important facilitators were motivation to improve health and/or fitness (92%), fun and/or relaxation (85%). The results for the subgroup with SCI were comparable with the results of the total group.
Player and Parent Experiences with Child and Adolescent Power Soccer Sport Participation, opens in a new tab, Elaine Bragg, Nancy Spencer, Shanon Phelan, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, Volume 40(6), pp.637-650, (April 2020). Power soccer presents opportunities for young athletes who use power wheelchairs to experience competitive team sports. As the focus of rehabilitation is to enhance participation and quality of life, insight into the subjective experience of sport participation could broaden considerations for power wheelchair prescription and inform how therapists share information about community sports and other activities with families. Primary data for this Interpretive Description study were individual interviews with five power soccer athletes, ranging from 11 to 17 years of age, and three parents of power soccer players. Observational field notes were also used. Five inter-related themes were developed: 1) Level playing field, 2) I am an athlete, 3) Important “life lessons” are gained through team sports, 4) The value of belonging to a community, and 5) Role of the rehabilitation community in supporting power mobility sports. Findings of this study demonstrate the benefits and challenges of power sport participation. The results encourage therapists to share information about sport opportunities with families and to consider a broad range of contexts when assessing for power mobility.
Meta-Analysis on Intervention Effects of Physical Activities on Children and Adolescents with Autism, opens in a new tab, Jinfeng Huang, Chunjie Du, Jianjin Liu, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 17(6), 1950, (March 2020). This paper aimed to discuss the intervention effects of physical activities on children and adolescents with autism with a meta-analysis so as to serve as a reference to further relevant research on the same topic. A total of 12 papers and 492 research targets were selected. The results of the meta-analysis show that physical activity had a significant positive impact on social interaction ability, communication ability, motor skills, and autism degree of autistic children as well as the social skills and communication skills of autistic adolescents. On the other hand, physical activity had no significant effect on the stereotyped behavior of autistic children and adolescents. In conclusion, physical activity intervention is beneficial to children and adolescents with autism, and continuous physical activity intervention can produce greater intervention effect. the improvement of sports skills of children by physical activities requires long-term intervention, at least 12 weeks, 45–75 min each time, 1–2 times a week. In conclusion, continuous physical activity intervention is beneficial to children and adolescents with autism.
Effectiveness of surf therapy for children with disabilities, opens in a new tab, Emily Clapham, Linda Lamont, Minsuk Shim, et.al., Disability and Health Journal, Volume 13(1), 100828, (January 2020). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an eight-week surfing intervention on various physical fitness measures in 71 children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, global developmental delays, and cerebral palsy. The study also sought to compare the differences in overall fitness levels between the surf therapy group and an unstructured pool playgroup. Researchers predicted significant differences in the surf therapy group. The results demonstrated significant improvements in core strength (p = 0.00), upper body strength (p = 0.00), flexibility (p = 0.01) and cardiorespiratory endurance (p = 0.00) in the surfing group. However, there were no significant differences in overall fitness levels between the surfing and unstructured pool playgroups. Body composition measurements on the surfing group demonstrated a significant reduction in total body fat % (p = 0.016) and fat free mass (p = 0.008) and a significant improvement in bone mineral density (p = 0.004) pre to post surf therapy. This research demonstrated the effectiveness and physiological benefits of surf therapy for children with selected disabilities.
Enhancing Quality of Life for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Erin Snapp, Leah Ketcheson, Jeffrey Martin, et al., International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Science, Volume 3(1), pp.33-41, (2020). Quality of life (QOL) is a subjective appraisal of life conditions. Disabilities often decrease QOL for individuals, due to potential physical, cognitive, and social limitations. Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have delayed fundamental motor skills (FMS) and less physical activity compared to neurotypical peers resulting in lower QOL. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that FMS interventions improve QOL for children with IDD. In the current study we evaluated the impact of three FMS interventions over 18 months on QOL for 10 children (age range from 4 to 14, M=8.88, SD=2.93) with IDD. The FMS intervention took place over three separate 10-week sessions. Using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale 4.0 we measured physical, social, emotional, and school functioning QOL. Visual analysis was used to evaluate the group means of each subscale across six time points, revealing a trend toward improved QOL for all 4 QOL subscales. Emotional and social function had the largest improvements. This study addresses the need for longitudinal research on how FMS interventions can enhance QOL for children with IDD. Community based programs focused on FMS can help improved QOL for children with IDD. This research helps to better understand how FMS interventions can improve several areas of life.
‘A level playing field’: Young people's experiences of wheelchair basketball as an enabling place, opens in a new tab, Bates Laura, Kearns Robin, Witten Karen, et.al., Health and Place, Volume 60, 102192, (November 2019). Using a novel case-study of a youth wheelchair basketball team in Auckland, New Zealand, we investigate the experiences of young people with physical disabilities in recreational sports places. We consider the ‘enabling places’ created by this sport, which can enhance disabled young people's wellbeing and social inclusion. Semi-structured interviews with the team's players and coordinators revealed logistical and societal challenges associated with facilitating youth-oriented sports, as well as those encountered by team members personally. They also identified physical health and social benefits experienced through involvement in wheelchair basketball. The material, social and affective dimensions of participants' experiences of wheelchair basketball elucidate the capacity for the sport, and its team members and settings, to affirm young people's identity and place-in-the-world. We conclude that youth-specific, inclusive sports generate enabling places that enhance young people's social inclusion, wellbeing and life enjoyment.
Participating more, participating better: Health benefits of adaptive leisure for people with disabilities, opens in a new tab, Delphine Labbé, William Miller, Ruby Ng, Disability Health Journal, Volume 12(2), pp.287-295, (April 2019). Increasing participation in recreational leisure activities (RLA) could be an effective vehicle for social inclusion and improvement - people's with disabilities health. Unfortunately, many barriers limit their participation in RLA. Interventions to improve access to RLA are often limited to therapeutic or adaptive sports in rehabilitation. Knowledge about the benefits of adaptive RLA in the community is still needed. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of adaptive RLA offered in the community for people with disabilities, and to document the facilitators and barriers to participation. This paper presents the qualitative results of a mixed-methods study. The participants were members with disabilities (n = 19), volunteers (n = 9), and staff members (n = 8) of an organization offering various adaptive RLA in the community. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and naturalistic observations were conducted. The data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis: 1) “Personal enrichment” illustrated the individual benefits experienced by the member with disabilities; 2) “Collective impact” represented the social benefits for the members and their communities; and 3) “Contributors to the RLA experience” concerned the facilitators and barriers to participation. Considering the numerous benefits of adaptive RLA, it is necessary to implement specific policies to support integrated community programs or accessible public transports to allow full participation of people with disabilities, thereby increasing their social inclusion.
Managing sport volunteers with a disability: Human resource management implications, opens in a new tab, Pam Kappelides, Jennifer Spoor, Sport Management Review, Volume 22(5), pp.694-707, (2019). The authors examine the benefits and barriers to including volunteers with a disability in three Australian sport and recreation organisations, as well as the potential human resource management implications. The authors draw on interviews with sport volunteers with disability, staff from sport organisations, and recipients of services from volunteers with disability conducted in 2016–2017. Researchers have not previously examined these diverse perspectives, but they are important for understanding how to include and support sport volunteers with disability. Analysis of the interviews revealed a wide range of benefits of including volunteers with disability including social acceptance, social inclusion and personal development; but both volunteers and organisations identified numerous barriers to volunteering, including negative attitudes, personal factors, organisational factors and lack of social inclusion. Based on the results of this study, the authors develop recommendations for human resource management practices and policies to support volunteers with a disability in sport and recreation organisations, which are organised around an ability-motivation-opportunity framework. The results suggest that organisations need to create an environment that facilitates open, two-way communication with volunteers with a disability about their needs and wants. There also should be training and education to all volunteers and staff around an inclusive workplace culture.
Self-Perceived Psychophysical Well-Being of Young Competitive Swimmers With Physical or Intellectual Impairment, opens in a new tab, Luca Puce, Lucio Marinelli, Nicola G. Girtler, et.al., Perceptual and Motor Skills, Volume 126(5), pp.862-885, (October 2019). The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to investigate the role of competitive sport practice in enhancing self-perceived psychophysical well-being of some select participants, using the Psychological General Well-Being Index and the Short Form-12 indices. We recruited at national events 100 young Italian competitive swimmers affected by physical or intellectual impairment. These respondents' results were compared with those of a control group of 100 Italian participants who did not practice competitive sport but who were also affected by physical or intellectual impairment, randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and communities of young people with disabilities. Scores of psychological and emotional well-being were higher by 40% or more for the practitioners of competitive sport. While our study's results suggest possible positive psychophysical benefits to competitive sport practice for young people affected by physical or intellectual impairment, longitudinal research is needed to be certain that our results are not due to self-selection into sports participation of those persons with disabilities who have a uniquely higher sense of well-being.
Adaptive Skiing/Snowboarding Affects the Quality of Life of Children With Disabilities, opens in a new tab, David Frumberg, Alexis Gerk, Patrick Autruong, Palaestra, Volume 33(3), (August 2019). Seventy-six athletes met inclusion criteria. After one year, athletes demonstrated significant improvement in physical well-being and bullying; guardians reported improvement in six of the 10 HRQL domains. Twenty-nine athletes met criteria for the long-term cohort, reporting significant improvements in financial resources, peers and social support, and bullying, but a significant decrease in self-perception. Parents reported improvements in financial resources and bullying. Perceived changes in HRQL of children with disabilities are evident after one season of participation, and guardians are more likely to report significant improvements than child-athletes.
Sport Intervention Programs (SIPs) to Improve Health and Social Inclusion in People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, opens in a new tab, Lidia Scifo, Carla Chicau Borrego, Diogo Monteiro, et.al., Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, Volume 4(3), (August 2019). This review discusses the beneficial effects of sport intervention programs (SIPs) in people with ID, and aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature in order to identify the main factors influencing the participation of people with ID in SIPs. Twelve papers were analyzed and compared. The results show a large variety in examined SIPs, concerning participants’ age and disability, intervention characteristics and context, as well as measures and findings. The main factors essential for people with ID partaking in SIPs appeared to be suitable places for the SIP development, adequate implementation of physical activity (PA) programs in school and extra-school contexts, education, and the training of teachers and instructors. The literature review highlights the relevance of using SIPs in order to improve physical and psychological health, as well as increase social inclusion in populations with ID. SIPs should be included in multifactor intervention programs. Nevertheless, the need is recognized for stakeholders to adopt specific practice and policy in promoting social inclusion in order to organize intervention strategies which are able to provide quality experiences in sport and physical activity for people with ID.
A qualitative study of active participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis, opens in a new tab, Moira Smith, Bridee Neibling, Gavin Williams, et.al., Physiotherapy Research International, Volume 24(3), e1776, (July 2019). The aim of this study was to explore the experience of participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) with minimal disability. The objectives were to gain an understanding of key factors that influence participation in sport and exercise and to determine support required by individuals with MS to participate in their choice of sport and exercise for as long as possible. Sixteen individuals participated; 63% of whom regularly participated in sport or exercise. All participants viewed sport and exercise positively and identified inherent benefits of exercise. Five key themes emerged to describe the experience of participating in sport and exercise: “personally engaging with exercise,” “influencing barriers and enablers of exercise,” “sustaining independence,” “integrating exercise into lifestyle,” and “getting the balance right.” Most participants felt that advice and guidance from health professionals about the optimum mode and dose (how much and how often) of exercise was lacking.
Impact of Adaptive Sports Participation on Quality of Life, opens in a new tab, Diaz R; Miller EK; Kraus E; et.al., Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, Volume 27(2), pp.73-82, (June 2019). The health benefits of regular recreational physical activity are well known in reducing secondary health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in the general population. However, individuals with physical disabilities participate less frequently in recreational activity compared with those without disabilities. Although evidence on the impact of recreational physical activity on quality of life in this population is in its infancy, regular recreational and sports activity participation has shown to have a positive association with improvements in quality of life, life satisfaction, community reintegration, mood, and employment in those with disabilities. Facilitators of participating in adaptive sports include a desire to improve social support, physical fitness, health, and fun. Unfortunately, those with disabilities face numerous barriers to participate in adaptive sports including accessibility, transportation, awareness, finances, and physical and cognitive impairments. Further studies are needed to investigate facilitators and barriers to participating in adaptive sports to capitalize on the physical and psychosocial benefits of regular recreational activity. The aim of this article is to review the available literature on the effects of adaptive sports participation on quality of life.
Quality of Life among Assistive Technology Users: What is the Paralympic Sport Contribution?, opens in a new tab Beatriz Lima Magalhães, Lucimar Pinheiro Rosseto, Thiara Melo Yasuda, et.al., Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, Volume 22(3), pp.57-63, (June 2019). The purpose of this study was to verify the sports participation in the perception of quality of life among assistive technology users. Twenty-three subjects had some type of physical disability for more than 1 yr. They were divided into 2 groups: (a) Paralympic Group (n = 16); and (b) Control Group (n = 11). The subjects were between 18 and 47 yrs of age. They were regular users of some assistive technology. All participants completed a form used for general characterization and completed the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire. The significance level was set at an alpha level of P<0.05. The findings indicate that the Paralympic sport improves the perception of quality of life among assistive technology users.
More Than Just a Game: The Public Health Impact of Sport and Physical Activity for People With Disabilities (The 2017 DeLisa Lecture), opens in a new tab, Blauwet, Cheri A., American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 98(1), pp.1-6, (January 2019). Although people with disabilities make up a large proportion of our global population and are known to be disproportionately impacted by sedentary lifestyles leading to chronic disease, programs promoting physical activity often fail to address their unique needs. Both environmental and attitudinal factors also act as barriers to full participation. In this context, increasing evidence shows the positive impact of physical activity and sport on outcomes related to physical health, mental health, community participation, and, in some cases, neurorecovery for people with disabilities. Thus, participation should be seen not only as a medical intervention but also as a rights-based issue. We, as physiatrists, can be agents of change by promoting concepts of universal design and inclusion in physical activity and sport programs.
Bone quality in young adults with intellectual disability involved in adapted competitive football, opens in a new tab, Vicente Lizondo, Jordi Caplliure-Llopis, Dolores Escrivá, et.al., European Journal of Sport Science, Volume 19(6), pp.850-859, (2019). The objective of this study was to analyse bone quality parameters of football players with intellectual disability (ID) participating in adapted competitive football. Sixty-seven male football players with ID were studied: 22 with Down syndrome (DS) and 45 without DS. The average age was 26 years (range: 16 ̶ 50 years). A group of 25 age-matched sedentary individuals with ID (11 DS and 14 non-DS) and another group of 20 healthy participants of the same age group not involved in competitive football were comparatively analysed. In summary, the ID population actively involved in football showed higher values of bone mass parameters than their sedentary ID and healthy peers. The participants with non-DS ID showed a higher prevalence of osteoporosis than the football players with DS. Participation in sports seems to prevent bone loss in individuals with ID.
Mastery and Belonging or Inspiration Porn and Bullying: Special Populations in Youth Sport, opens in a new tab, Jeffrey Martin, Kinesiology Review, Volume 8(3), pp.195-203, (2019). This paper examines the factors that make up a high-quality youth-sport experience for special-population children. It is important to note that special-population youth are often very similar to nondisabled children (e.g., seeking enjoyment in sport), but they experience different contexts and socialization experiences such as fewer opportunities and more barriers to sport participation. The author first examines positive factors in the youth-sport experience and discusses mastery experiences and the generation of positive affect. He also discusses how sport can promote feelings of belongingness, freedom, and independence. In the second part of the paper he discusses how the youth-sport experience can contribute to a negative experience by examining bullying and teasing, as well as “inspiration porn.” Inspiration porn is a relatively new concept in the disability literature that has not been discussed in a sport context. The author proposes a five-component model that links anecdotal reports of inspiration porn to theory, thus providing a basis for future research on inspiration porn. Throughout the paper he examines research in each area, theories used, important findings, salient take-home points, and future research directions and imbues the paper in a disability social-relational model that asserts that individual, social, environmental, and cultural factors all play a role as proximal and distal influences in the sport experiences of special-population youth.
Sport as a means of inclusion and integration for 'Those of us with disabilities", opens in a new tab, Irene Kamberidou,Alexandros Bonias, Nikolaos Patsantaras, European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, Volume 5(12), (2019). To determine whether—and to what extent—sport participation contributes to the inclusion and integration of people with physical disabilities, interviews were conducted with 20 athletes in Athens: semi-structured interviews with 14 male and 6 female Paralympic and World Champions. The findings confirm that both genders confront many forms of social exclusion (attitudinal, environmental and institutional), however their sport participation plays a significant and positive role in their lives. All 20 acknowledge or report sport gives them a social identity, a sport identity and a meaning in life, in addition to contributing to their social integration/inclusion.
Associations of sport participation with self-perception, exercise self-efficacy and quality of life among children and adolescents with a physical disability or chronic disease—a cross-sectional study, opens in a new tab, Saskia J. te Velde, Kristel Lankhorst, Maremka Zwinkels, et.al., Sports Medicine - Open, Volume 4, article number: 38, (August 2018). The aim of the current study is to assess the association of sports participation with psychosocial health and with quality of life, among children and adolescents with a disability. In a cross-sectional study, 195 children and adolescents with physical disabilities or chronic diseases (11% cardiovascular, 5% pulmonary, 8% metabolic, 8% musculoskeletal/orthopaedic, 52% neuromuscular and 9% immunological diseases and 1% with cancer), aged 10-19 years, completed questionnaires to assess sports participation, health-related quality of life (DCGM-37), self-perceptions and global self-worth (SPPC or SPPA) and exercise self-efficacy. Regression analyses showed that those who reported to participate in sports at least twice a week had more beneficial scores on the various indicators compared to their peers who did not participate in sport or less than twice a week. Those participating in sports scored better on all scales of the DCGM-37 scale, on the scales for feelings of athletic competence and children but not adolescents participating in sports reported greater social acceptance. Finally, we found a strong association between sport participation and exercise self-efficacy. This study provides the first indications that participating in sports is beneficial for psychosocial health among children and adolescents with a disability. However, more insight is needed in the direction of the relationships.
Positive Impact of Participation in Wheelchair Rugby: A Review of the Literature, opens in a new tab, Nathan Perkins, Palaestra, Volume 32(2), (August 2018). This article examines wheelchair rugby participation, activities of daily living, and self-efficacy among individuals with physical disabilities. Participation in wheelchair rugby is beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities in relation to performing activities of daily living. Generally, activities of daily living are very problematic for a majority of individuals with physical disabilities. Individuals with physical disabilities who participate in wheelchair rugby have high self-efficacy beliefs in performing activities of daily living. Also, selfefficacy beliefs are associated with sport performance. Finally, provided are recommendations for additional participation in wheelchair rugby and future research.
Participant-Reported Benefits of Involvement in an Adaptive Sports Program: A Qualitative Study, opens in a new tab, Emma Lape, Jeffrey Katz, Elena Losina, et.al., PM&R, Volume 10(5), pp.507-515, (May 2018). Participants were recruited from among 134 adults who registered for the sports program in 2013-2014. Participants with mobility or sensory impairment, absence of cognitive impairment, and English proficiency were included. The 90 former participants with adequate contact information were contacted, and 17 participated in the focus groups. Analysis identified 5 themes: physical well-being and health/safety; interpersonal and social relationships; intrapersonal and beliefs/attitudes; physical environment; and access. Participants experienced participation both as physically beneficial and as transformative in terms of how they view themselves. However, programs drew on limited personal resources and sometimes presented a perceived risk of injury. Finding information about and transportation to programs was a challenge. Participants formed an informal community that modeled what athletes with disabilities are capable of, helping to overcome initial doubts. To gain the benefits of participation, athletes overcame significant barriers, several of which may be modifiable, including transportation and difficult-to-find information about program offerings. The importance of community and raising awareness of athletes' own abilities suggests a key role for mentorship. Our study contributes to the understanding of experiential aspects that motivate participation in adaptive sports.
“Sport saved my life” but “I am tired of being an alien!”: Stories from the life of a deaf athlete, opens in a new tab, Thomas Irish, Francesca Cavallerio, Katrina McDonald, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 37, pp.179-187, (July 2018). This study explores the ways in which a deaf athlete's experiences of participation in sport can affect his psychological and social well-being, and how social and interpersonal relationships play a role in shaping these experiences. Five story fragments taken from a deaf athlete's life are presented, in relation to key moments of the athlete's life. The stories show how social relationships affect the athlete's experience of sport participation, spanning from an enthusiastic inclusion in playing sport with hearing and non-hearing peers, to the feelings of alienation felt due to social exclusion from hearing sport events, and the hopelessness deriving from a lack of understanding of the specific needs that come from coaching a deaf person.
Effects of a School-Based Sports Program on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Health in Youth With Physical Disabilities: Data From the Sport-2-Stay-Fit Study, opens in a new tab, Maremka Zwinkels, Olaf Verschuren, Astrid Balemans, et.al., frontiers in Pediatrics, (26 March 2018). This controlled clinical trial included 71 children and adolescents from four schools for special education [mean age 13.7 (2.9) years, range 8–19, 55% boys]. Participants had various chronic health conditions including cerebral palsy (37%), other neuromuscular (44%), metabolic (8%), musculoskeletal (7%), and cardiovascular (4%) disorders. Before recruitment and based on the presence of school-based sports, schools were assigned as sport or control group. School-based sports were initiated and provided by motivated experienced physical educators. The sport group (n = 31) participated in a once-a-week school-based sports program for 6 months, which included team sports. The control group (n = 40) followed the regular curriculum. Anaerobic performance was assessed by the Muscle Power Sprint Test. Secondary outcome measures included aerobic performance, VO2 peak, strength, physical activity, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, body composition, and the metabolic profile. A significant improvement of 16% in favor of the sport group was found for anaerobic performance (p = 0.003). In addition, the sport group lost 2.8% more fat mass compared to the control group (p = 0.007). No changes were found for aerobic performance, VO2 peak, physical activity, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and the metabolic profile.
The relationship between physical activity and self-efficacy in children with disabilities, opens in a new tab, Kim Wickman, Madelene Nordlund, Christina Holm, Sport in Society, Volume 21(1), pp.50-63, (2018). The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether self-efficacy in children with disabilities could be strengthened through targeted and adapted physical activities led by specially educated leaders. Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP) scale were used. The study includes 45 children of 8–14 years of age with different types of impairments. The children participated in training sessions twice a week and tried out 13 different physical activities during eight months. The median in this study of total self-efficacy was 104 points, which can be compared to median points varying between 100 and 107 in previous studies based on children without disabilities. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase of the means in four out of six different domains of self-efficacy before and after the study was carried out. Key findings indicated that this model is successful in strengthening the children’s self-efficacy and that their perceived self-efficacy was equal to that of children without disabilities.
"I think I became a swimmer rather than just someone with a disability swimming up and down:" Paralympic athletes perceptions of self and identity development, opens in a new tab, Pack, Stephen; Kelly, Sasha; Arvinen-Barrow, Monna, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 39(20), pp.2063-2070, (September 2017). The purpose of this study was to explore the role of swimming on Paralympic athletes' perceptions of self and identity development. During semi-structured interviews, five Paralympic swimmers (aged 20-24 years) were asked questions about their swimming career, perceptions of self, integration, and impairment. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis yielded three superordinate themes: (a) "One of the crowd"; none of the participants viewed themselves as disabled, nor as supercrips; these perceptions stemmed from family-, school-, and swimming-related experiences, (b) "Becoming me"; participation in swimming facilitated self- and social-acceptance, and identity development, and c) "A badge of honor"; swimming presented opportunity to present and reinforce a positive identity. Swimming experiences enabled the participants to enhance personal and social identities, integrate through pro-social mechanisms, and to develop a career path following retirement from competition.
Opportunities and Benefits for Powerchair Users Through Power Soccer, opens in a new tab, Michael Jeffress, William Brown, Adapted physical activity quarterly,  Volume 34(3), pp.235-55, (July 2017). Power soccer (or powerchair football), the first competitive team sport for users of motorized wheelchairs, is receiving increased attention among people with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and academics. The present study provides a qualitative analysis of the experiences of 34 American power soccer athletes. Participant observation and in-depth interviews with 11 female and 23 male athletes were conducted between 2007 and 2013. Results indicate that involvement in power soccer provides participants with an increased sense of empowerment, acquisition of social capital, and psychosocial benefits, including a deep satisfaction of the desire to participate in competitive sports and an opportunity to be independent. Implications of these findings for improving the quality of life of people with physical disabilities and for future research are discussed.
A systematic literature review of the physical and psychosocial correlates of Special Olympics participation among individuals with intellectual disability, opens in a new tab, A. Tint, K. Thomson, J.A. Weiss, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, Volume 61(4), pp.301-324, (April 2017). Special Olympics (SO) is commonly cited to play an important role in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of the current review was to (a) synthesise key findings regarding the physical, psychological/emotional, social and/or intellectual/cognitive correlates of SO participation for individuals with ID and (b) highlight limitations in the extant research as well as directions for future research. There was a larger amount of support for physical, psychological/emotional and social outcomes as compared with cognitive/intellectual outcomes; however, many studies were confounded by measurement difficulties, sampling procedures and a lack of replicable methods, which hinder generalisation of results. This review highlights the need for a continued critical focus on SO programme evaluation research with more rigorous and replicable methods.
Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance in children with autism spectrum disorder, opens in a new tab, Yumi Kim, Teri Todd, Takuto Fujii, et al., Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, Volume 12(4), pp.314-319, (August 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week Taekwondo (TKD) intervention on balance in children with autism spec-trum disorder (ASD). A total of 14 children with ASD participated in this study. Eight children (eight males; mean age, 10.25±2.38 yr) completed TKD intervention (50 min/2 times/8 week), and six children received no intervention serving as controls (five males, one female; mean age, 10.00±2.83 yr). A computed posturography system with a long forceplate (NeuroCom Balance Master) was used to evaluate static (double and single leg stance with various test conditions) and functional balance (step-quick-turn). Balance was measured before and after the intervention. A mixed-model analysis of variance showed a significant group by time interaction in single leg stance balance. After the intervention, the TKD group displayed a greater improvement in single leg stance balance with eyes closed condition than the control group (P=0.046). Within-group analysis showed that the TKD group significantly improved single leg stance balance with eyes open condition (P=0.014). In addition, TKD group displayed trends of improvements in double leg stance balance with unstable surface under eyes closed condition (ES=0.83) and step-quick-turn (Cohen d [ES]=0.70). The control group did not show any significant changes in balance outcomes. In conclusion, TKD training can help children with ASD improve their balance. Children with ASD also showed a high rate of adherence (92%) to the TKD training. Our findings suggest that TKD can be a fun, feasible, and effective therapeutic option for balance improvement of children with ASD.
Psychosocial effects of competitive Boccia program in persons with severe chronic disability, opens in a new tab, Sharon Barak, Nuria Mendoza-Laiz, Maria Teresa Gutierrez Fuentes, et.al., Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Volume 53(6), pp.973-988, (January 2016). People with severe physical disabilities may experience psychosocial problems. Boccia is one sport that athletes with severe disability can engage in, but no information on the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes for participants with severe disability is available. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of Boccia on psychosocial outcomes in persons with severe disabilities. The study included two competitive Boccia groups: independent competitive (IC) (n = 9) and nonindependent competitive (NIC) (n = 7), as well as a recreational Boccia group (n = 14) and control subjects (n = 13) (mean age = 46.46 +/- 10.75). All participants underwent a rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation program had a general positive effect on the psychosocial status of individuals with severe physical disabilities. However, the competitive Boccia groups demonstrated a greater number of favorable changes, suggesting an added value of participation in Boccia.
The role of Special Olympics in promoting social inclusion: An examination of stakeholder perceptions, opens in a new tab, Chiaki Inoue, Tanya Forneris, Journal of Sport for Development, Volume 3(5), (December 2015). In recent years, there has been an increase in research examining social inclusion for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID). Sport is one context that has been recognized as promising for the promotion of social inclusion. The principal provider of sport programming for individuals with ID is Special Olympics (SO). SO is a global organization with approximately 4.2 million athletes in over 180 countries. SO provides a variety of programs that range from local community-level programming to world-level competition. However, little research has been conducted to examine perceptions of how sport programs such as SO can facilitate social inclusion for individuals with ID. The purpose of this study was to use a mixed-methods design to: (1) understand how various stakeholders (chapter representatives, coaches/volunteers, parents) define social inclusion, and (2) examine whether these stakeholders perceive SO as contributing to social inclusion. The qualitative analysis revealed that stakeholders have various definitions of social inclusion but perceive SO as facilitating social inclusion within and beyond the context of sport. The quantitative data also indicated that stakeholders perceive SO as fostering social inclusion for individuals with ID.
Sport in the lives of young people with intellectual disabilities: Negotiating disability, identity and belonging, opens in a new tab, Smith L, Wedgwood N, Llewellyn G, et.al., Journal of Sport for Development, Volume 3(5), (December 2015). Research on the role of sport in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities primarily focuses on improving fitness, health and social interactions. Yet sport is not only a form of physical exercise, competition or leisure pursuit — it’s also a powerful social institution within which social structures and power relations are reproduced and, less frequently, challenged. This paper provides insights into the role of sport and physical activity in the lives of four young Australians with intellectual disabilities or cognitive limitations from their own perspectives. Data from life history interviews elicits rich and in-depth insights, revealing the meanings these young people give to their sporting experiences, which include (but also go beyond) concerns with fitness, health and social interactions. Although not representative of all young people with intellectual disabilities, these four young people use sport to negotiate complex emotional worlds around disability, identity, and belonging — much like their physically impaired counterparts.
Impact of Organized Sports on Activity, Participation, and Quality of Life in People With Neurologic Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Sahlin KB; Lexell J, PM&R: the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, Volume 7(10), pp.1081-1088, (October 2015). Physical activity and exercise is the mainstay of chronic disease prevention and health maintenance for all people with and without a disability, and clear evidence exists of the benefits among various populations with neurologic disabilities. However, the potential benefits of organized sports for people with neurologic disabilities are not as well explored. In this narrative review, current evidence regarding the impact of organized sports on activity, participation, and quality of life in people with neurologic disabilities of all ages is summarized, and facilitators of and barriers to participation in sports for this population are discussed. The articles reviewed were divided into 2 sets: (1) children and adolescents and (2) adults. The subjects of almost all of the studies were persons with a spinal cord injury. Children and adolescents with a disability who engaged in sports reported self-concept scores close to those of able-bodied athletes, as well as higher levels of physical activity. Adults with a spinal cord injury who engaged in organized sports reported decreased depression and anxiety, increased life satisfaction, and increased opportunity for gainful employment compared with nonathletic persons with disabilities. General facilitators, regardless of age, were fitness, fun, health, competence, and social aspects, whereas overall barriers were lack of or inappropriate medical advice and facilities, decreased self-esteem, poor finances, dependency on others, and views held by others.
When sitting becomes sport: Life stories in sitting volleyball, opens in a new tab, Sidiropoulos Charalampos, Carla Filomena Silva, Martin Kudlacek, European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, Volume 8(1), pp.30-44, (2015). The present study aims to describe how SV players perceive the impact of the sport on their lives, gaining a deeper insight into their lives. This is achieved by letting them narrate the interactions between themselves and the sport. Data was analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological perspective and several themes and subthemes emerged from this analysis. Accordingly, four superordinate themes were constructed: bodily experience, psychosocial aspect, emerging feelings and motivational factors.Overall, SV proved to have a positive impact on the athletes’ lives. The players revealed that their everyday life, mood and physical status were inextricably connected with their engagement with SV. All players reported that SV affected their social behavior and their body shape/ image in a positive way. While reviewing the findings of this study, one can state that the majority of the athletes were not intrinsically motivated to keep playing SV. Lack of financial support and external recognition proved to become barriers to prolonging the engagement with SV for three participants (Paul, Roger and Martin). As a result, athletes reported feelings of frustration and disappointment during their careers, although this was not a dominant feature in their memories.
Perceived exercise benefits and barriers among power wheelchair soccer players, opens in a new tab, J P Barfield, Laurie A Malone, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Volume 50(2), pp.231-238, (April 2013). Lack of exercise is a major risk factor for secondary conditions among persons dependent upon motorized wheelchairs. Power wheelchair soccer is a unique exercise opportunity for this population, and understanding factors that influence exercise decision-making is necessary for clinicians to help those in motorized chairs reduce their secondary risk. Therefore, this study examined differences in perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among power wheelchair soccer players using a mixed-methods analysis. The most common perceived benefit to exercise was "Exercising lets me have contact with friends and persons I enjoy." Post hoc comparisons of quantitative data indicated that persons with muscular dystrophy perceived exercise to be significantly less important than did other disability groups (p < 0.05). "Exercise is hard work for me," "Exercise tires me," and "There are too few places for me to exercise" were the most common perceived barriers. These findings can assist with development of exercise opportunities for power wheelchair users.
Young Athletes Program: Impact on Motor Development, opens in a new tab, Paddy Favazza, Gary Siperstein, Susan Zeisel, et.al., Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Volume 30(3), pp.235-253, (2013). This study examined the effectiveness of the Young Athletes program to promote motor development in preschool-aged children with disabilities. In the study, 233 children were randomly assigned to a control group or the Young Athletes (YA) intervention group which consisted of 24 motor skill lessons delivered 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) showed that children who participated in the YA intervention exhibited mean gains of 7–9 months on the Peabody Developmental Motor Subscales (PDMS) compared with mean gains of 3–5 months for the control group. Children in the YA intervention also exhibited significant gains on the gross motor subscale of the Vineland Teacher Rating Form (VTRF). Teachers and parents reported benefits for children not only in specific motor skills, but also kindergarten readiness skills and social/play skills. The necessity for direct and intentional instruction of motor skills, as well as the challenges of involving families in the YA program, are discussed.
The Paralympic Movement: Using Sports to Promote Health, Disability Rights, and Social Integration for Athletes With Disabilities, opens in a new tab, Cheri Blauwet, Stuart Willick, PM&R, Volume 4(11), pp.851-856, (November 2012). Competitive sports for people with disabilities has grown rapidly over the past several decades, and opportunities for participation are increasingly available throughout the spectrum from developmental to elite. The Paralympic Games, seen as the pinnacle sporting event that represents the broader Paralympic Movement, has provided a platform to showcase the abilities of people with disabilities while also serving as a catalyst for disability rights through ensuring integration, equality of opportunity, and accessibility of the built environment. Concurrently, media coverage of the Paralympic Games has led to an increased awareness of opportunities for sport participation for individuals with disabilities and, with it, the adjustment of norms regarding expectations for exercise as a component of preventive health. In addition, there is evidence of the power of sports to stimulate confidence, self-efficacy, and a self-perceived high quality of life for individuals with disabilities above and beyond the basic benefits to cardiometabolic fitness. When taken together, the promotion of health, disability rights, and social integration through sports has the power to transform the lives of those who participate and to further stimulate the expansion of opportunities available to the next generation of athletes with disabilities.
Healthcare professionals making active lives possible, opens in a new tab, Activity Alliance, YouTube, (4 April 2019). A short feature film for healthcare professionals on supporting disabled people to be active. In partnership with Public Health England and supported by Sport England, the film introduces the urgent case for change so more disabled people can reap physical and mental health benefits.
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