Factors that relate to sport participation of adolescents with a mobility impairment.

Aletta M Moll,Garfield Bester

doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.614

Abstract

BackgroundThere are multiple factors that make it difficult for learners with a mobility impairment to participate in sport, if not impossible. Unfortunately, it is not known which of these factors can be considered as the most important ones.ObjectivesThe main objective was to obtain clarity on the factors that differentiate best between learners who participate in sport and those learners who are not participating.MethodIn total, 140 boys and girls with different types of mobility impairments participated. Information was obtained on inevitable factors such as age and gender, structure factors such as type of school and hostel dwelling and personal factors such as emotions and relationships with parents and peers.ResultsFour factors emerged that explained 22% of the variance in the distinctive characteristics of the group that participates in sport and the non-participating group. Age was the most important variable explaining 9% of the variance followed by trust (an emotional variable), gender and health.ConclusionChildren with a mobility impairment should be encouraged to start participating in sport at an early age. Specific attention should be given to girls who are more reluctant to participate. Health is a factor that can inhibit sports participation; however, it should not be overemphasised. The emphasis should rather be on the development of trust, which will help adolescents with an impairment to take responsible risks in an adaptive sports environment.

Highlights

Introduction and backgroundThe development of children incorporates a physical component that requires schools to involve children in a variety of physical activities, exercise programmes or sport participation initiatives. Zourikian, Jarock and Mulder (2012:12-1) differentiate between physical activity, exercise and sport in the following manner: Physical activity is defined as any activity that comprises some form of physical effort and voluntary movements that contribute to energy expenditure, for example walking, dancing or any activity causing a person’s body to work harder than normal
Children with a mobility impairment should be encouraged to start participating in sport at an early age
The first aim of the investigation was to establish whether certain factors facilitate or inhibit sports participation of adolescents with a mobility impairment

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundThe development of children incorporates a physical component that requires schools to involve children in a variety of physical activities, exercise programmes or sport participation initiatives. Zourikian, Jarock and Mulder (2012:12-1) differentiate between physical activity, exercise and sport in the following manner: Physical activity is defined as any activity that comprises some form of physical effort and voluntary movements that contribute to energy expenditure, for example walking, dancing or any activity causing a person’s body to work harder than normal. Exercise involves physical action, voluntary movements and energy expenditure. This form of physical activity is planned, structured and repetitive. It does not involve any kind of competition. There are multiple factors that make it difficult for learners with a mobility impairment to participate in sport, if not impossible. It is not known which of these factors can be considered as the most important ones

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion