Disability Sport Research Articles

Assessment of Organizational Capacity and Challenges in Disability Sports Participation by Secondary School Students with Special Needs in Ibadan, Nigeria

The study assessed organizational capacity and challenges in disability sports participation by secondary school students with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria. The tested independent variables were organizational predators variables of strategic planning, network capacity, logistics, funding sources, sports infrastructure, interest of coaches and knowledge of organizing personnel while disability sport participation was used as the dependent variable. Strategic planning (ß=0.289, t=2.816, p=0.008), logistics (ß=0.612, t=7.103, p=0.000), interest of coaches (ß=0.536, t=7.795, p=0.000) and knowledge of organizing personnel (ß=0.500, t=7.836, p=0.000) were independently tested significantly on disability sport participation while network capacity (ß=0.171, t=1.772, p=0.085), funding sources (ß=0.082, t=1.360, p=0.182) and sports infrastructure (ß=0.111, t=1.948, p=0.059) are not independently tested significant on disability sport participation. There is a composite joint contribution of strategic planning, network capacity, infrastructure, funding, logistics, interest of coaches, and knowledge of organizing personnel on disability sports participation in schools of individuals with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria (F(7,39)=100.210, p=0.00). The result also generated a coefficient multiple regression of R=0.977 and R2 =0.955; implying that about 95.5% of variance was accounted for by the independent variable. Strategic planning, logistics, interest of coaches, and knowledge of organizing personnel variables individually and collectively showed a positive contribution to disability sport participation, hence, there is a need to consider them on the subject of disability sport participation in schools of individuals with special needs in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Leveraging para sport events to create para sport legacies: a case study of the world para snow sport championship 2021

PurposeThis study examines how the World Para Snow Sports Championship 2021 was leveraged to create para sport outcomes. The purpose of this study is to add to the knowledge of how different organisations can create positive para sport legacies from elite para sport events.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative case study used interviews with representatives from key stakeholders and archival materials as main sources. An event leverage model was used to better understand the context, structures, and resources relevant to the development of para sport outcomes.FindingsThe main findings show how a variety of organisations set goals and implemented strategies to create para sport legacies. While the short-term increase in para sport participation remained rather limited, the new infrastructure, new para sport policies, and increased awareness of para sport were the main para sport legacy outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe main contribution of this study is empirical knowledge on how different organisations can leverage a para sport event to create legacies for para sport. Future research can examine the perspectives of additional groups, such as other athletes, spectators, and people with disabilities.Practical implicationsFor organisations involved in para sport, this study shows the opportunities and challenges of using a sport event to recruit new para sport participants.Originality/valueWhile there are some studies on the legacy outcomes of the Paralympic Games, this study focuses on a different para sport event and adopts the leverage perspective.

The influence of performance in training on self-confidence of wheelchair athletes with coach-athlete intimacy as a moderating variable

This study aims to analyse the self-confidence of wheelchair basketball, tennis, badminton, and archery athletes. This study uses a moderated regression analysis (MRA) approach, namely performance in training as independent variable, self-confidence as a dependent variable, and coach-athlete intimacy as a moderator. Sampling was done using total sampling at the open tournament championship. The wheelchair athletes involved were 20 basketball athletes, 15 tennis athletes, 15 badminton athletes, and 15 archery athletes age 29.98±2.4 with 11.37±1.2 years of training. The highest experience of the competition is that 37 athletes have participated at the national and international level. This study was conducted for six months from early June to November 2023. The data were collected using questionnaires that were confirmed and given before the match and semi-structured interviews to strengthen the discussion. The instrument consists of 57 items, and an Aiken V validity value of 0.863 and Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.708 were obtained. The results showed that performance in training influenced self-confidence (sig. 0.003 or p<0.05) and (R2 = 12.8%). Meanwhile, the coach-athlete intimacy can positively moderate the performance of the coach-athlete with self-confidence (sig. 0.000 or p<0.05) and (R2 = 47.2%). The results of this study suggest the involvement of government agencies to foster, develop, and facilitate all individuals with special needs. In addition, it is necessary to increase the competence of coaches through special training or by opening a coach study program for coaching people with disability at the university. Further research should consider the number of samples involved and how to collect data with a research design adapted to the circumstances but can produce accurate data. Keywords: Training Performance, Self-Confidence, Coach-Athlete Intimacy, Wheelchair

The myth of a “human right to sport”: how human rights can lead to true inclusion for children with disability

AbstractFundamental Principle 4 of the Olympic Charter provides, ‘[t]he practice of sport is a human right’. However, to think of the practice of sport as a human right is misleading and potentially unhelpful to the true inclusion of children with disability in sport. The various permutations of a human right to sport—a right in sport; a right to participate in sport; a right to the practice of sport; and a right to sport—result in an attitude that children with disability are provided sporting opportunities in a way that are separate, segregated, or unnecessarily different. In this article, we argue that sport should be thought about and analysed through a different human right: the right to non-discrimination. If the right being applied to the experience for a child with a disability in sport, is that of non-discrimination, then the aim is to provide the child with the same experience as a mainstream child. This also means that the focus changes from providing a right to ‘sport’, which results in access to simply the physical activities of sport and shifts to the experience the child has within a sport. Most importantly, the human right to non-discrimination means that a child with disability should have the opportunity to be included in mainstream sport, with adjustments to provide them with a fair and meaningful contest.

МІСЦЕ АДАПТИВНОЇ ФІЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ В ПРОЦЕСІ ПІДГОТОВКИ МАЙБУТНІХ ФАХІВЦІВ З ФІЗИЧНОГО ВИХОВАННЯ ВЗАРУБІЖНИХ КРАЇНАХ

The purpose of the research was to analyze the place and content of adaptive physical culture in the programs of training bachelors in physical education in foreign countries (based on the material of English-speaking countries). Material and methods. We searched for educational programs for obtaining a bachelor's degree in physical education available in 2024 in the USA, Great Britain and Ireland using the online service. The search was carried out by setting the following filters: Field of study - "Education", in particular, "Teaching", "Physical education"; Location - USA, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland; Degree type – "Bachelor", "Bachelor of Science", "Bachelor of Arts". In total,8 educational programs were analyzed, in particular, 6 in the USA and 1 each in Great Britain and Ireland. The following methods were used in the research process: summarization of data from scientific and methodical literature and Internet sources, analysis and synthesis of the obtained information. Results and key conclusions. The vast majority of bachelor's degree programs in the USA, Great Britain and Ireland are designed for 2, 3 or 4 years of higher education and include at least 120 credits. At least 2.5 % of ECTS credits from the total volume of the educational program are allocated to the study of adaptive physical culture (between 3 and 6 ECTS credits). The content of educational programs in English-speaking countries (USA, Great Britain, Ireland) includes the study of adaptive physical culture by students within such disciplines as "Adaptive physical education", "Physical education for students with disabilities", "Introduction to adaptive physical education", "Adaptive physical culture and sport", "Assessment and Program Evaluation in Adapted Physical Education", "Inclusive sport and physicalactivity", "Adaptive physical education and physical activity".

Overhead and Wheelchair Sport-related injuries in Para Athletes: Interplay between disability and sport specific factors.

With the increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in competitive Para sports, it becomes imperative to understand the injury consequences that may impact both sports participation and daily life activities. This narrative review aims to examine the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors inherent in overhead and wheelchair summer Para sports, while also exploring prospective avenues for implementing prevention strategies. By understanding the injury epidemiology in this cohort of Para athletes, this review aims to explore the intricate interplay between the athletes' underlying disability with sport-specific factors, such as how wheelchair use might amplify injury susceptibility. Specifically, we highlight the impact of impairment, daily activity, and workload or discipline-induced overuse on injury occurrence, as well as how surveillance methods can be tailored to this population. In this regard, we propose practical injury surveillance methods that encompass a sensitive injury definition, severity assessment, incidence rate calculation, and the recording of adaptive equipment (e.g., type of wheelchair) and workload monitoring. It is worth noting that studies of prospective injury surveillance systems coupled with workload monitoring within a dedicated Para sport web-based platform are scarce. To establish a comprehensive understanding of Para athlete health, the monitoring framework should incorporate regular athlete follow-ups and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Kelly Brush Foundation grants for adaptive sports equipment

Kelly Brush Foundation grants for adaptive sports equipment

The Relationship between the Adaptive Sport of Blind Football related to Volunteer Experiences and the Explicit/Implicit Attitudes of Non-disabled Individuals towards People with Disabilities

The Relationship between the Adaptive Sport of Blind Football related to Volunteer Experiences and the Explicit/Implicit Attitudes of Non-disabled Individuals towards People with Disabilities

Social integration and adaptation of veterans and participants of combat actions in the process of engagement in adaptive sports

Social integration and adaptation of veterans and participants of combat actions in the process of engagement in adaptive sports

An agility training model for wheelchair court tennis athletes: An experimental study

One sport for people with disabilities is wheelchair court tennis, where athletes need good agility to move. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the agility training model for wheelchair court tennis athletes. This research is experimental. The population in this study were wheelchair tennis court disability athletes in the Special Region of Yogyakarta totaling 14 athletes (male 10, female 4, aged 19 40 years). Where athletes with various disabilities, including spinal cord injury, single amputee, double amputee, or spina bifida. The sample was divided into two based on ordinal pairing of pretest data, i.e. the experimental group was treated with five agility training models and the control group trained as usual with a coach. The statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software, version 21. The results showed that the agility training model for 18 treatments was effective in increasing the agility of wheelchair tennis athletes, with a p value of 0.000 < 0.05. Sport specific training programmes are essential for improving athlete performance. A clear understanding of the nuances of developing athletes with disabilities is essential to developing appropriate programmes and strategies. The results of this study are expected to make a positive contribution to the development of progressive and innovative science, the contribution of the results of this study can add insight into the agility training model for wheelchair tennis athletes.

Breaking the disability: Turkish disabled athletes’ self-presentation performances on Instagram

Despite the abundance of studies exploring athletes’ self-presentation on social media, there is a notable scarcity of research focused on the self-presentation performances of disabled athletes within these digital spaces. This study investigates the self-presentation performances of disabled athletes representing Turkey in international competitions, on Instagram. By employing a netnographic approach, 645 highlighted stories from the Instagram of 5 athletes (female = 3 and male = 2) were subjected to analysis. The findings of the study reveal a distinction: Female athletes tend to emphasize their on-stage performances, whereas male athletes direct attention to their off-stage performances. In their on-stage performances, athletes gravitate toward showcasing posts related to awards earned from competitions. Conversely, in their off-stage performances, they opt to highlight familial and interpersonal relationships. This study has determined that disabled athletes prefer to highlight their on-stage performances on Instagram. This platform functions as a realm of validation for their accomplishments.

Handcycling with concurrent lower body low-frequency electromyostimulation significantly increases acute oxygen uptake in elite wheelchair basketball players: an acute crossover trial.

Wheelchair basketball (WCB) demands high-intensity training due to its intermittent nature. However, acute oxygen uptake (V˙O2) in handcycling is restricted. Combining handcycling with low-frequency electromyostimulation (LF-EMS) may enhance V˙O2 in elite WBC athletes. Randomized crossover trail. Twelve German national team WCB players (age: 25.6 [5.6] years, height: 1.75 [0.16] m, mass: 74.0 [21.7] kg, classification: 2.92 [1.26]). Participants underwent 2×5 min of handcycling (60 rpm, ¾ bodyweight resistance in watts) (HANDCYCLE) and 2×5 min of handcycling with concurrent LF-EMS (EMS_HANDCYCLE). LF-EMS (4Hz, 350µs, continuous stimulation) targeted gluteal, quadriceps, and calf muscles, adjusted to individual pain thresholds (buttocks: 69.5 [22.3] mA, thighs: 66.8 [20.0] mA, calves: 68.9 [31.5] mA). Significant mode-dependent differences between HANDCYCLE and EMS_HANDCYCLE were found in V˙O2 (17.60 [3.57] vs 19.23 [4.37] ml min-1 kg-1, p = 0.001) and oxygen pulse (16.69 [4.51] vs 18.41 [5.17] ml, p = 0.002). ΔLactate was significantly lower in HANDCYCLE (0.04 [0.28] vs 0.31 [0.26] mmol l-1). Although perceived effort did not differ (p = 0.293), discomfort was rated lower in HANDCYCLE (1.44 [1.28] vs 3.94 [2.14], p = 0.002). LF-EMS applied to the lower extremities increases oxygen demand during submaximal handcycling. Thus, longitudinal application of LF-EMS should be investigated as a potential training stimulus to improve aerobic capacity in wheelchair athletes.

Document analysis of adaptive sport opportunities at Division-1 universities in the United States

BackgroundIndividuals with disabilities are less likely to participate in physical activity, with the greatest decline in participation during college years. Despite known health benefits, there are significant barriers that limit sport and exercise participation for students with disabilities, including adaptive access. To our knowledge, there has been no comprehensive review conducted to examine the number of adaptive sport offerings on a collegiate level. ObjectiveAssess the availability of adaptive sport opportunities for students at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-1 Universities to better understand university-affiliated adaptive sport opportunity for students. MethodsWebsite document analysis was conducted by systematically querying the general homepage, athletics page, and campus recreation websites of each NCAA Division-1 University in the United States (US). Institutional and sport-related characteristics were recorded. ResultsOf the 358 NCAA Division-1 Universities, 20.4 % (73/358) marketed adaptive sport opportunities (recreational, club, and/or intercollegiate), with 3.9 % (11/358) acknowledging intercollegiate adaptive sport programs on their websites. Five percent (6/121) of private institutions, and 28.3 % (67/237) of public institutions reported adaptive sport opportunities. The Northeast region had the fewest number of institutions reporting adaptive sport offerings (4/67, 6.0 %). The most commonly offered sport was adaptive recreation (36/358, 10.2 %), followed by wheelchair basketball (26/358, 7.4 %). ConclusionOver three-quarters of Division-1 Universities in the US lack an online description of adaptive sport opportunity, highlighting the need for expanded resourcing and marketing of adaptive sport at the university level. Future studies are necessary to identify appropriate strategies to effectively promote sport, maximize participation and improve social inclusion.

The offsetting relationship between hand grip strength and hypertension: A cross-sectional study from physically disabled over 50 years old in China.

To explore the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and blood pressure in physically disabled individuals over 50 years old. The research adopts a cross-sectional survey, and the data comes from the "2022-2023 Physical Health Monitoring and Scientific and Technological Services for Physical Disabilities" jointly carried out by Beijing Sport University and China Disabled Sports Management Center. Select physically disabled individuals over 50 years old and collect physical fitness measurement data. HGS was measured and adjusted based on body weight and waist circumference, with standard normal conversion. The relationship between HGS and blood pressure was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and further logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between standard HGS and the risk of abnormal blood pressure. 695 disabled individuals participated in the experiment, including 402 males (57.84%) and 293 females (42.16%). Multiple linear regression analysis found that for each standard deviation increase in the standardized Z-value of relative HGS, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of male individuals decreased by 2.391 mmHg (P = 0.008) and 1.229 mmHg (P = 0.025); decreased by 2.336 mmHg (P = 0.026) and 1.585 mmHg (P = 0.008), respectively, for female. The increase in HGS reduced the risk of hypertension in physical disabilities in males [OR = 0.820 95%CIs (0.670, 0.952)] (P = 0.003) and females [OR = 0.735 95%CIs (0.472, 0.986)] (P = 0.007). The HGS of middle-aged and elderly physically disabled individuals negatively correlates with blood pressure, indicating the importance of increasing muscle strength (HGS) in preventing blood pressure.

The Impact of Service Quality on Self-Confidence of Wheelchair Athletes: An Analysis of Family Support as Moderator

This study aims to analyze further the effect of service quality on the confidence of wheelchair athletes. The family support is referred to as a moderator variable. This quantitative research type used the Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) method. Sampling was carried out at a special open tournament for wheelchair athletes. The total number of athletes was 122 (basketball =30, tennis =16, badminton =22, archery =20, fencing =16, table tennis =18), with characteristics as follows: aged 25.36±2.4 years, and had 11.37±1.2 years of coaching rate. The instrument was a questionnaire which had been validated through the focus group discussion (FGD) with experts, namely sports training lecturers and wheelchair trainers. The initial results were typically distributed data based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test 0.200. The second regression test analysis without moderation was 0.003, and R2=0.466, meaning there was an effect between service quality and self-confidence. The third moderation analysis was 0.000, and R2=0.583. The family support variable moderated positively and significantly between service quality and self-confidence. In conclusion, the wheelchair athletes’ self-confidence is determined in one way, namely developing and improving good service quality. With the support of parents, wheelchair athletes feel supported by emotional, nutritional, instrumental, appreciation, and informative aspects. Thus, good service quality and family support can increase wheelchair athletes’ self-confidence, and hopefully it impacts their achievement.

An Analysis of Agenda Setting and Framing of American Marathon Television Coverage

This study examined nationally televised marathon coverage of three major U.S. marathons (the Boston Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the Tata Consultancy Services New York City Marathon) to understand how able-bodied men and women, and men and women using wheelchairs were represented. Just under 8 hr of coverage was analyzed for clock time and the descriptions of athletes divided by divisions of able-bodied men and women and wheelchair athlete men and women. Able-bodied women received the majority of clock time in Boston and Chicago, while able-bodied men received the majority of clock time in New York City. Athletes using wheelchairs, both men and women, received much smaller amounts of coverage, especially in New York City. Women received more announcer mentions in all three races, with a heavier focus on their background, coaching, and emotion, although the only statistically significant category was emotion. Experience and race strategy/training were heavily emphasized for all divisions. Through this analysis, race producers have more guidance on how to cover future marathons in a more equitable and appropriate manner.

Association between physical activity and functional movement screening among university students in an adaptive physical course.

Physical activity (PA) holds profound implications for the holistic development of college students. However, students with chronic diseases or physical disabilities experience significantly limited PA during adaptive sports. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) among university students who participate in the adaptive physical course. 36 university students (from the adaptive physical course) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-L). Body measurements and FMS were assessed. Correlation analysis and t-tests were used to determine relationships and differences between various indicators. A two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate potential variations in FMS scores based on gender and weight status. The results show that gender, PA, and BMI significantly influence FMS scores in students participating in adaptive physical courses. FMS score is significantly negatively correlated with BMI and significantly positively correlated with PA. The FMS score for males, as well as the scores for Trunk Stability Push-Up and Rotary Stability, are significantly higher than those for females. University students in adaptive physical courses can benefit from increased PA and FMS scores. Improving functional movement and enhancing physical activity are crucial for promoting overall health in this population.

지역특수성을 고려한 장애인 체육센터의 건축계획연구 - 군단위 소규모 체육시설을 중심으로 -

지역특수성을 고려한 장애인 체육센터의 건축계획연구 - 군단위 소규모 체육시설을 중심으로 -

Another market segment: sport event tourism by disabled athletes

Sports and tourism are connected in various parts of economies, cultures, and nations. However, there has been a limited understanding of sports event tourism involving disabled athletes. This study explored the behavioral and socio-demographic implications of the disabled sports event tourism and investigated the motivational factors involved. An in-person survey was administered to 108 disabled athletes who attended the summer and winter Paralympics. A Structural Equation Model was used to determine the association between the factors of life satisfaction, emotional happiness, escapism, perceived value, and future intention, using the Monte Carlo parametric bootstrapping method to test significance of direct and indirect effects. Cronbach was acceptable because it exceeds 0.70 which satisfies the cut-off of confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the individual values of average variance extracted (AVE), were greater than 0.50 (0.72) which meets the requirement and the convergent validity of all the constructs. The results showed that life satisfaction had a significant direct effect on future intentions. Emotional happiness had a significant direct effect on the perceived value of an event. Escapism had significant direct effects on perceived value and future intentions. Perceived value significantly influenced future intentions. The relationship between emotional happiness and future intention was fully mediated by perceived value. However, the relationship between escapism and future intention was only partially mediated by perceived value. The results of this study are valuable for developing future management and marketing policies for disabled athletes and tourists to advance the existing sports event tourism and disabled athlete’s behavior studies.

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.