Recreational Benefits of Boccia Intervention Courses in People with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the recreational benefits of boccia intervention courses (including effects on physical, mental, social and sports abilities) in people with cerebral palsy. In this study, ten intervention courses were conducted (once a week; 3 hours per each courses). The experimental measures from eleven members were collected from the Taoyuan Boccia Club of the Cerebral Palsy Association of R.O.C. The measures for the interventional effects including: recreational benefit scale, recreational benefit check list, skill record sheet, weekly training observation record sheet, completive performance assessment form, course satisfaction survey and overall opinions of the Boccia course. The findings were as follows: (1) The Boccia intervention improved participants' subjective feelings of recreational benefits, especially the social benefits and self-presentational benefits. (2) Boccia intervention enhanced the motor functions of people with cerebral palsy. According to the skill records, the pitching direction was improved significantly. (3) After ten weeks Boccia courses, shooting accuracy was also significantly enhanced. In the game contest of the last week, comprehensibility of the referee's instruction and preparation for pitching were performed much better by the participants. (4) Parents were satisfied with the course content, teaching quality and its related benefits. This study concludes that Boccia, designed specifically for people with physical and mental disabilities and motion control problems, showed physical, psychological, social and sport ability benefits via multidimensional evaluation with the effects of ten-week intervention. Boccia intervention proved to be a suitable recreational sport for people with cerebral palsy to participate, and worthy for further promotion.