Investigating adaptive sport participation for adults aged 50 years or older with spinal cord injury or disease: A descriptive cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Context Spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) can lead to health challenges that are exacerbated with aging. Adaptive sport is understood to provide health benefits for the SCI/D population. Prior literature investigating adaptive sport in this population pertains to adults with SCI/D who are <50 years of age. However, most Canadians with SCI/D are >50 years of age. Objectives This study aimed to: (1) Compare demographics of those who do and do not participate in adaptive sport; (2) Describe the characteristics of adaptive sport that adults aged ≥50 years with SCI/D participate in; and (3) Identify barriers and facilitators to adaptive sport participation in this age group. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out using an online survey. Analytical statistics were used to address objective one, while descriptive statistics were employed for objectives two and three. Participants Responses from 72 adults aged ≥50 years, residing in Canada, living with a SCI/D for >6 months were included in the analysis. Results Findings revealed that adaptive sport participants aged ≥50 years with SCI/D were more likely to identify as men, be younger individuals (50–59 years), and report greater satisfaction with physical health (P < 0.05). Adaptive sport participants most commonly played individual sports at the recreational level. Common barriers pertained to physical capacity, travel, and COVID-19; common facilitators included social support, desire to improve health, and having friends/peers who also participate. Conclusion Future research should investigate strategies to enhance facilitators and mitigate barriers to adaptive sport participation in order to improve access.