Adaptive Sports Programs Research Articles

Introduction to Adaptive Sports: An Intervention Protocol for Youth

Certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS®s) within pediatric rehabilitation inpatient (PR-I) units use a variety of treatment modalities. One such modality is adaptive sports. Positive emotions that can be generated when participating in an adaptive sports activity include enjoyment and gratification. CTRSs are able to provide youth in the PR-I unit with a unique experience that teaches them about adaptive sports while introducing a potential new leisure pursuit. Thus, the Introduction to Adaptive Sports program was developed with the intent of documenting youths' knowledge related to adaptive sports following brief exposure, their enjoyment of ac-tivities associated with four different adaptive sports, and their interest in future participation. The youth involved in the piloting of this protocol were asked to complete a Knowledge and Future Participation Quiz as well as an Enjoyment Scale to measure their level of knowledge about each adaptive sport presented, how much they enjoyed participating in each ses-sion, and if they would be interested in future participation. The results showed that the youth demonstrated strong knowledge about each adaptive sport (average scores of 5.06 out of 6). The scores on the Enjoyment Scale indicated that youth on the PR-I unit enjoyed the adaptive sports sessions (average scores of 8.38 out of 10). Addition-ally, participant responses indicated 78.13% overall interest in future participation in the four presented adaptive sports. Though the preliminary results from the trial of this protocol are encouraging, recommendations for revision and future study by CTRS professionals on PR-I units are included.

Optimizing Social and Economic Inclusion through Adaptive Sports Programs for Persons with Disabilities: A Pathway to Achieving SDGs

This study explores the impact of sport on the social inclusion and economic well-being of people with disabilities in the community and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to the social inclusion and economic well-being of people with disabilities. Data is collected by purposive sampling and analyzed using a qualitative method. The patterns of results show that sports can potentially transform the lives of people with disabilities, promoting social inclusion and empowerment. However, attitudinal and structural barriers, such as ableism and a need for inclusive practices in sports clubs, often hinder this potential. To overcome these challenges, develop and enact disability-inclusive sports policies. The discussion proposes some implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly social inclusion, economic well-being, participation, and equality targets. Social inclusion through sport, equal economic opportunities, and encouraging the participation of athletes with disabilities in various competitions align with the SDGs’ vision to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society for all people.

Evidence-Based Practice in Adaptive Snow Sports: A Brief Report

Adaptive outdoor recreation experiences are widely accepted as a means to rehabilitation and community inclusion; however, therapeutic recreation specialists, have been limited in their ability to document benefits of outdoor recreation activities due to a lack of available instruments. This study reports on the development and implementation of the Progress Report assessment tool, designed to capture functional outcomes of an adaptive snow sports program in the Rocky Mountains. Instrument design, validation, and pilot testing are reviewed. Findings indicate positive changes in participant functional skills observed during snow sports lessons and a positive relationship between number of lessons and one’s ability for the respective snow sports activity. Considerations for adaptation and application of the Progress Report, and implications for future research, are discussed.

Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Adults With Spinal Cord Injury or Disease Aged 50 Years or Older on Participation in Sports.

Sports are physical activities that provide physical, psychological, and social benefits for individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). However, most sports research has been completed on individuals with SCI/D who are aged >50 years, even though the majority of people with SCI/D are aged >50 years. Despite substantial evidence supporting sports for older adults not living with a disability, there is currently no research examining the impact of sports for adults with SCI/D aged ≥50 years. To explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals with SCI/D aged 50 years or older who participate in sports in the community. Fifteen adults with SCI/D aged ≥50 years who participated in community-based sports were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was applied to the data. The overarching theme identified was that sports are fun and adaptable physical activities that have the potential to optimize physical, psychological, and social health in all people with SCI/D, regardless of age. Within this overarching theme, six categories surfaced: (1) importance of participating in sports later in life, (2) prioritizing health over performance, (3) uncertainties about participating in sports later in life, (4) reflections on participating in sports later in life, (5) beliefs on alternative sports involvement, and (6) advice for other aging adults with SCI/D considering sports. Sports are perceived to provide physical, psychological, and social benefits for individuals with SCI/D aged 50 years or older. Findings will inform the development of future adaptive sports programs for older individuals with SCI/D.

The effectiveness of the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic for veterans with probable posttraumatic stress disorder.

Recreational and adaptive sports programs may be beneficial therapeutic interventions for improving psychological outcomes among veterans and service members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because they provide opportunities for exercise, socialization, respite, and time outdoors. Although there are an increasing number of sports programs for veterans and service members with PTSD, data evaluating the outcomes of such programs are limited. The sample included 74 U.S. veterans who participated in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC), an annual, week-long adaptive sports program in San Diego, California. Participants were categorized into two subgroups: those who met criteria for probable PTSD using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (n = 20) and those who did not (n = 54). Participants completed self-report assessments before and after each daily activity, before and after the program, and 3 months following program completion. Over the course of NVSSC program participation, the diagnostic subgroups (probable PTSD vs. no PTSD) did not significantly differ on changes in depression, positive affect, negative affect, or insomnia. Compared to those without PTSD, veterans with PTSD experienced greater reduction in generalized anxiety during the program (MD = -3.07, p = 0.034). Veterans with PTSD also experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms at postprogram (MD = -23.76, p < 0.001). For both groups, significant benefits were shown during the program but rebounded by the 3-month follow-up. Over the course of each daily activity, positive affect (MD = 2.71, p < 0.001) and depression/anxiety scores significantly decreased (MD = -0.75, p < 0.001), with no differences between PTSD diagnostic groups across time (ps = 0.714 and 0.961, respectively). Veterans with and without PTSD benefited from participation in the NVSSC. Participants with probable PTSD experienced greater improvements in generalized anxiety at postprogram only; there were no other significant differences between the two groups at postprogram or at 3-month follow-up. In line with prior research, benefits for those with PTSD were lost by 3-month follow-up, suggesting that regular engagement in recreational and adaptive sports may be necessary to sustain psychological health improvements.

The Inclusive Adaptive Sport Program on a College Campus: Changing the Narrative

More often than not, students with physical disabilities are not provided equitable access to recreational sport programs or clubs, even though they often pay the same fees as their peers without disabilities. Involvement in recreational sports is a large component of the college campus experiences, yet those living with disability are likely to experience a variety of challenges associated with participation, which may inhibit them from fully engaging in sports with their peers and pursuing an active lifestyle. To examine the impact of involvement in an inclusive adaptive sport program on the college experience, a qualitative phenomenological approach was implemented with a convenience sample of 8 college students currently participating in a CTRS-driven inclusive wheelchair basketball program. A semi-structured interview procedure was utilized to elicit the participants' experiences of involvement in the adaptive sports program. Of 8 college students, five were individuals without, and 3 were individuals with an identified physical disability. The adaptive sports program had a positive impact on both groups of students. Four themes and 10 subthemes emerged from the data analysis. Four themes identified were: (a) Sense of Community; (b) Access to Resources and New Opportunities; (c) Inclusive; and (d) Personal Growth.

Adaptive Sports: Perceived Barriers And Facilitators To Participation In An Underserved Area.

PURPOSE: The main objective is to analyze the perceived barriers and facilitators to participating in adaptive sports by people living with disabilities in an underserved area. METHODS: A telephone survey was performed on people living with disabilities in the Bronx. Inclusion criteria: 18-89 years old, all genders and ethnicities, all types of impairment types, except intellectual disability, as stated by the International Paralympic Committee. Data will be presented in simple descriptive statistics. A qualitative review of the open commentary responses was also performed. RESULTS: We obtained 59 (25.3%) successful telephone surveys out of 233 people, 147 (63.1%) had communication problems, 25 (10.7%) were not interested in participating, 2 were younger than 18 years old. 28 men (47.5%) and 31 women (52.5%) participated, with a mean age of 48 years old (SD 16.2). 49 people (83%) answered they would like to participate in adaptive sports. The three most common barriers were transportation, lack of information of events, and poor timing (19, 15, 15%); the three most common facilitators were meeting new people, low-cost transportation, knowing physicians will be there/free event (17, 16, 11%); the three most common motivator factors were fun, social inclusion, and free snacks (25, 20, 14%); the best days for participation were Saturday and Friday (21% each) starting at 10 or 11 AM (20 and 19%). 49% preferred phone for communication and 37% e-mail. CONCLUSION: Most people want to participate in adaptive sports, we found that important barriers, to those in the literature, in our population studied were access to information and adequate time. More studies need to be made to understand if intervening on effective communication and advocacy are cost-effective in developing successful adaptive sports programs in underserved areas to enhance participation; rather than focusing on the well-known, and costly, barriers of transportation and infrastructure.

The A.B.L.E. Program: A Specially Designed Adaptive Sports Program for Youth With Complex Disabilities

Abstract Date Presented 03/31/2022 The current study supports previous literature that adaptive sports are beneficial but that fewer opportunities are available for youth with complex disabilities despite their willingness to participate. Therefore, the A.B.L.E. Program (Athletes Believing Limits are Endless) will be developed to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation in their community. Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Lindsey

Two‐Minute Drill

Study examines heart risks among college football players Western Kentucky launches adaptive sports program

Investigation of Testimonials From Participants in an Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program

Abstract Date Presented 04/21/21 A community adaptive sports and recreation program promotes social, physical, and emotional health and well-being for people with disabilities. Since the program's inception, many participants have voluntarily submitted letters and stories describing the program's impact on their daily lives. This research qualitatively examined the significance of engagement in this program on participants' health and well-being by analyzing their true lived experiences, expressed in their own words. Primary Author and Speaker: Sandra Brown Additional Authors and Speakers: Carly Peters, Renee Watling

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic: Change and duration of psychological outcomes

IntroductionRecreational and adaptive sports programs are often provided to veterans with a variety of psychological and physical conditions; however, limited data exist regarding the outcomes of these programs. The current study evaluated the psychological outcomes of attendees of the 2017 and 2018 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) in San Diego, California. MethodSeventy-four veteran participants completed self-report assessments before and after the week-long program, as well as 3 months following program completion. In addition, participants completed brief assessments before and after each of the daily recreational activities (cycling, surfing, sailing, kayaking, and archery/pickleball). ResultsFindings showed that depression, anxiety, social functioning, and positive and negative affect significantly improved from pre-to postprogram, but returned to baseline levels at 3-month follow-up. Within sessions, depression/anxiety and positive affect significantly improved each day, with no differences in the amount of change across days. Depression/anxiety and positive affect also significantly improved within each activity, regardless of order, with no differences in the magnitude of change across activities. ConclusionsThe NVSSC produced significant changes in psychological outcomes among veteran participants within immediate and short-term time periods; however, gains were not maintained longer-term. Follow-on engagement in exercise activities is likely necessary for continued benefit; future research, including studies with control groups, would provide greater clarity.

Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces (VA)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 45, Issue 6 p. 7-7 Grants alerts Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces (VA) First published: 15 February 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.31579Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume45, Issue618 February 2021Pages 7-7 RelatedInformation

Demographic and Functional Characteristics of National Veterans Wheelchair Games Participants: A Cross-sectional Study.

Although many studies report the impact of adaptive sports and recreation on quality of life for people with disabilities across several age groups, few have focused on the Veteran population. The purpose of this study was to establish a baseline of common characteristics of the Veteran population that participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) in 2017 and 2018, including their perception on how their participation is associated with function and social factors. A cross-sectional study was implemented as part of a quality assurance collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Veterans Administration National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. Demographic and quality-of-life data were collected through the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) and associated Uniform Dataset as well as the Sports Participation Outcome Research Tool and Comprehensive Uniform Survey (SPORTACUS). This report provides and discusses the descriptive analyses that were performed on the data and establishes a framework to assess the impact of sports and exercise for Veterans with disabilities. A sample of 426 Veterans, 87% who were male and an average population age of 56 years old, reported high FMA scores on each of 10 items (daily routine, comfort, health, operate, reach, transfer, personal care, indoor mobility, outdoor mobility, and transportation) along with SPORTACUS scores scoring above 5, based on a 1-6 scoring scale (1 being "completely disagree" and 6 being "completely agree"), on each domain indicating sports participation is associated with their ability to function and participate in the community. Based on these results, it can be concluded for this military Veteran population that participation in a large, organized adaptive sports programs such as the NVWG has a positive association with daily function, quality of life, community participation, and use of higher quality assistive technology.

Developing a Virtual Adaptive Sports Program in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PM&RVolume 13, Issue 2 p. 211-216 Practice Management—CME Developing a Virtual Adaptive Sports Program in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Cheri A. Blauwet MD, Corresponding Author Cheri A. Blauwet MD [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-8568-1009 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Kelley Adaptive Sports Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MAAddress correspondence to: C.A.B., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 1st Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDavid Robinson MD, David Robinson MD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorAlison Riley DPT, Alison Riley DPT Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorKeja MacEwan BA, Keja MacEwan BA Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorMary Patstone MA, Mary Patstone MA Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorMary E. Dubon MD, Mary E. Dubon MD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Kelley Adaptive Sports Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Orthopedics, Boston Childrenʼs Hospital, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this author Cheri A. Blauwet MD, Corresponding Author Cheri A. Blauwet MD [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-8568-1009 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Kelley Adaptive Sports Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MAAddress correspondence to: C.A.B., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 1st Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129; e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDavid Robinson MD, David Robinson MD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorAlison Riley DPT, Alison Riley DPT Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorKeja MacEwan BA, Keja MacEwan BA Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorMary Patstone MA, Mary Patstone MA Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this authorMary E. Dubon MD, Mary E. Dubon MD Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Kelley Adaptive Sports Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Orthopedics, Boston Childrenʼs Hospital, Boston, MASearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 September 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12481Citations: 5 Disclosure: none All financial disclosures and CME information related to this article can be found on the Online Learning Portal (https://onlinelearning.aapmr.org/) prior to accessing the activity. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume13, Issue2February 2021Pages 211-216 This article also appears in:Sports Medicine RelatedInformation

Community organization factors affecting veteran participation in adaptive sports

Objective: This study aims to describe United States military veteran participation in adaptive sports and to assess the demographic make-up and organizational characteristics of existing adaptive sports programs. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey. Setting: Community organizations with adaptive sports programs. Participants: 85 adaptive sports programs. Interventions: Nine question survey. Outcome Measures: Demographic data and sports offered by adaptive sports programs in the United States. Results: The survey response rate was 70%. The median number of total participants in an organization was 75 and the median number of veterans was 50. 76% of organizations had some degree of affiliation with a VAMC. Organizations affiliated with a VAMC are more likely to be rehabilitation centers, whereas community organizations with no VAMC affiliation are most commonly independent organizations with no rehabilitation component. Individuals of all ages participate in adaptive sports, with increasing participation associated with increasing age. Golf was the sport offered most commonly by adaptive sports programs in this survey. Low-contact sports were offered more often than high-contact sports, and the majority of programs offered adaptive sports year-round. Conclusions: Our results suggest that U.S. Military veterans represent a large proportion of the individuals participating in adaptive sports. Further research specifically focusing on factors veterans find desirable when considering participating in adaptive sports is indicated to identify programs that should be promoted, developed, and funded to increase veteran participation in adaptive sports.

Investigation of Testimonials From Participants in an Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program

Abstract Date Presented 03/26/20 A community adaptive sports and recreation program promotes social, physical, and emotional health and well-being for people with disabilities. Since the program’s inception, many participants have voluntarily submitted letters and stories describing the program’s impact on their daily lives. This research qualitatively examined the significance of engagement in this program on participants’ health and well-being by analyzing their true lived experiences, expressed in their own words. Primary Author and Speaker: Sandra Brown Additional Authors and Speakers: Megan Bewernitz Contributing Authors: LaTonya Summers

Up on the hill: the experiences of adaptive snow sports

Introduction Literature supports the benefits of involvement for people with disabilities in adaptive snow sports. However, the literature is lacking in understanding the experiences of those involved in these programs or understanding what facilitates participation in adaptive snow sports. Objectives This project aims to (1) explore the experiences of people with disabilities participating in adaptive snow sports; and (2) to explore the factors which impact participation in adaptive snow sports. Materials and methods We recruited 20 former and current participants from an adaptive snow sports program using a volunteer recruitment strategy. Data were collected through individual or dyadic semi-structured interviews and on-site observations. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic data analyses were conducted. Results Three main themes emerged from this study: (1) mountain top moments, which described the outcomes of successful participation in adaptive snow sports; (2) finding your line, which refers to the facilitators involved in adaptive snow sports participation; and (3) icy slopes and trailblazing, which includes the social, physical, and institutional environmental factors that impede quality participation. Conclusion 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. Implications for rehabilitation Adaptive snow sports provide opportunities for people with disabilities to learn new and meaningful skills, develop meaningful relationships, and enjoy the outdoors. Knowledgeable instructors who are able to meet people with disabilities unique needs is an essential component to adaptive snow sport programs. Additionally, the provision of adaptive equipment is an important aspect of adaptive snow sport programs.

Does Culture Matter? An Exploratory Study of Culture in the Implementation of an Adaptive Sports Program

There is limited research surrounding the effectiveness of program implementation, and the research that does exist often considers culture as a minor contributing factor. In this study, culture is re-framed as a major contributing factor of program implementation using an international adaptive sports program as an example. The program was planned and implemented by a team of U.S. facilitators for a group of Thai students and professors in Thailand. The purpose of this study was to understand the cultural processes that influence program implementation in the context of adaptive sport. The research team conducted observations of the program delivery and semi-structured interviews with the U.S. program facilitators. Guided by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, the findings consider how culture influenced program implementation. Building from existing program implementation models, this study proposes a modified model of program implementation in which culture is positioned as a factor influencing all aspects of program implementation.Subscribe to TRJ

A Descriptive Study of Self-Reported Injury in Non-elite Adaptive Athletes.

Adaptive sports programs are increasing across the country and there is a paucity of research investigating the epidemiology and sports injury risk factors in non-elite athletes. To assess the demographics, training regime, and injuries incurred by adaptive athletes participating in local adaptive sports clubs and to assess the athletes' type of medical care and prevalence of those with spasticity. Descriptive cross-sectional study. Local area adaptive sports teams and programs. Sixty-one athletes participating in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sled hockey, and adaptive rowing were surveyed, with a response rate of 70.5%. Completion of self-report survey. Report of injury prevalence, injury characteristics, type of medical care, and assessment of frequency and severity of spasticity using the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale. Most athletes (86%) trained or competed in their main sport 9-12 months per year. Most athletes (79.1%) trained at least 4 hours per week. In the past 12 months, 39.5% of athletes surveyed sustained an injury that required them to miss practice or a competition, with 58.8% of these athletes having sustained a significant injury. Many of those injured (64.7%) had never participated in an injury prevention or conditioning program. Injury prevalence by sport was 42.9% in wheelchair rugby, 60% in sled hockey, 44% wheelchair basketball, and 0% in adaptive rowing. The most commonly injured body parts were the shoulder (52.9%) and wrist (52.9%). This study shows that non-elite adaptive sports athletes sustain similar types of injuries as noted in published reports of elite athletes but could be provided with less injury prevention education and access to medical care. This area will require future study, especially investigating injury risk factors within specific sports and diagnoses. III.

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