Disability Sport Research Articles

Coaching styles and sports motivation in athletes with and without Intellectual Impairments.

The cognitive limitations of athletes with Intellectual Impairments (II) may influence their sport behaviour and lead them to rely on coaches' support. However, it is still unclear how II may influence sports performance progression and motivation and how coaches perceive their athletes with II and coach them. Thus, this study aims to examine 1) coach's perceptions of motivation and performance progression in athletes with and without II, 2) coaching style (dis)similarities, and 3) the association between these factors. Coaches of athletes with (n = 122) and without II (n = 144) were recruited and completed three online questionnaires, analysed using a series of non-parametric analyses (p ≤ .05). Results showed that perceived performance progression and controlled motivation were higher of athletes with II while perceived autonomous motivation was higher of athletes without II. No coaching style differences were found between the two groups. Additionally, a need-supportive coaching style negatively predicted amotivation, and a need-thwarting coaching style predicted lower autonomous motivation in athletes with II only. Overall, it seems that the coaches perceived that their athletes with II demonstrate different motivations and react dissimilarly to their coaching styles compared to athletes without II. They may also adopt different standards of sporting success for them. Due to these differences, it is important to offer appropriate training and knowledge to coaches about disability sports and the adaptations needed to effectively coach athletes with II. In summary, this paper gives some insights about the coach-athlete relationship and highlights the necessity to further support the sports development of people with II.

Dis(abling) conceptions of disability sport: An analysis of institutional change in the Paralympic movement through the lens of boundary and practice work

Using unique archival evidence on the evolution of the Paralympic movement from the mid-1940s to 1989, this paper advances our understanding of how new organisational forms emerge. Our historical narrative identifies a shift from the Games born out of a medically based and rehabilitative cultural ethos to a sport-performance centred, corporate model embodied in the establishment of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 1989. We show how the interactions between boundary and practice work enabled and, at times, ‘dis-abled’ the creation of the IPC. Heeding calls to refocus on how institutional change affects, or is affected by, power and inequality, we contribute to business history mainly by unveiling the collective struggle that led to the demise of a normative system of disability sport built upon the legitimacy of medical values and knowledge, and how evolving norms underpinning the way disabled people are viewed within society have influenced this process of change.

"If only balls could talk…": barriers and opportunities to participation for students with blindness and visual impairment in specialized PE.

For children with blindness and visual impairment (BVI) of all ages, disability sport and/or regular Physical Activity (PA) are deemed beneficial, promoting physical and mental health as well as increasing wellbeing and life satisfaction. In this regard, Physical Education (PE) serves as a foundation to regular and lifelong participation in PA, mainstream and/or disability sport. Research points towards manifold participation barriers for children with BVI in PE, which so far have mainly been investigated in inclusive settings and from the perspectives of sighted parents, teachers and peers. Consequently, people with BVI frequently consider PE a missed opportunity for lifelong PA. As transitioning from general to special schooling deems the only alternative to continue their education, questions arise in how far and in which ways specialized schools manage to accommodate their needs in PE. To address these gaps in literature, we investigated BVI students' perceived opportunities and barriers to participation in PE within a specialized school setting and their imaginations for possible (digital) improvements and solutions. Within the framework of Inclusive and Youth Participatory Action Research, we adopted the Mosaic Approach to investigate a sample of 19 students aged 14-20 at lower and upper secondary level in a specialized school in Austria. Data material included audio-recordings of interviews, student-guided school tours, photographs of significant places and objects and field protocols. The analysis was conducted with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Through the analysis, we identified three themes. The data material firstly revealed the complex intricacies of how PE teachers can act as facilitators and gatekeepers to autonomous PA. Secondly, material norms function not only as barriers to participation even in a specialized school setting, but also constitute the basis for social hierarchies between students with various degrees of visual impairment. Thirdly, students imagined manifold digital solutions to enhance participation derived from their perceived barriers. The findings contribute to amplifying BVI individuals' voices and provide revealing insights in how participation in PA is enabled and prohibited for students with BVI which can not only help to improve specialized but also inclusive settings.

On the organization of interdepartmental interaction of institutions of medico-social expertise and rehabilitation of disabled people in the region (on the example of the Perm territory)

BACKGROUND: Currently, a rehabilitation system for people with disabilities is actively developing at the federal and regional levels. Institutions of medical and social expertise occupy an important place in it, developing an individual program of rehabilitation or habilitation (IPRН) and evaluating the results of its implementation.
 AIM: Assess the need of persons recognized as disabled for rehabilitation measures, analyze the organization of interdepartmental interaction of institutions for medical and social examination and rehabilitation of disabled people at the regional level.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the needs of persons recognized as disabled for rehabilitation measures within the framework of IPRH for five years (2018–2022) was carried out according to the Federal state information system “Uniform automated vertically integrated information and analytical system on conducting medico-social examination” of Main Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise in Perm Territory, forms Federal State Statistical Observation № 7-Sobes “Information on the medical and social examination of persons aged 18 years and older”, № 7-D (Sobes) “Information on the medical and social examination of children under the age of 18”. The indicators of the effectiveness of rehabilitation based on the results of re-examination at the ITU bureau were studied, and an analysis of organizational technologies of interdepartmental interaction on issues of rehabilitation or habilitation of disabled people in the region was given. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel 2010.
 RESULTS: The analysis showed that, against the backdrop of a high need for medical rehabilitation, in the region there were higher indicators of the need for disabled people in social rehabilitation measures, technical means of rehabilitation, and information on adaptive physical education and sports compared to the Russian average. An assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of rehabilitation measures shows that in 2022 it was almost possible to achieve the level of indicators of 2019 (“pre-Covid”) for both children and adults. As part of interdepartmental interaction, specialists from the main bureau and executive authorities, branches of the Social Fund of Russia, the Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Disabled People, and public organizations quickly resolve problematic issues, conduct training seminars and conferences, and organize interdisciplinary research.
 CONCLUSION: The study made it possible to identify regional features of the structure of the need of persons with disabilities for rehabilitation or habilitation measures, as well as to analyze organizational approaches and technologies of interdepartmental interaction between the Main Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise and institutions subject to rehabilitation.

Characteristics of the gut microbiome of Swiss elite athletes with a spinal cord injury: An exploratory study

Objectives To illustrate and explore associations between the gut microbiome and spinal cord injury (SCI) characteristics, physical training, dietary intake, body composition, and blood biomarkers of elite Swiss athletes. Design and setting Baseline data analysis of athletes with SCI who participated in a pilot trial (NCT04659408) in the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, Switzerland. Participants Elite athletes, five males, and six females, with SCI who competed internationally. Outcome measures We conducted a differential abundance analysis and measured the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiome. Results The athletes’ median age was 34.5 years. Six had traumatic SCI and five had a spina bifida. The athletes competed in para-cycling (5), wheelchair athletics (3), and wheelchair tennis (3). A higher duration of training per week was positively associated with Akkermansia and Akkermansiaceae but negatively associated with Prevotellaceae. Muribaculaceae was negatively associated with the average number of trainings per week. Waist circumference is negatively associated with Butyricimonas. Significant differences in the alpha diversity were found with sex, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) scores, total caloric intake, total fat intake, total carbohydrate intake, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Beta diversity differences were found with impairment of the sympathetic nervous system of the gut at the genus level and HbA1c at the family level. Conclusions This study provides insight into the gut microbiome of athletes with SCI. Our results were similar to those found in athletes without SCI. Further replication is needed to confirm the relationships of organisms observed in the gut of athletes with SCI.

Методи та засоби фізичної реабілітації для постраждалих від російсько-української війни

The issue of determining the characteristics of adaptive physical culture using physical and sports rehabilitation for persons injured as a result of war is updated in the context of the current Russian-Ukrainian war. The study established that a component of medical rehabilitation is physical rehabilitation, which mobilizes the functional reserves of the body. The special importance of adaptive physical culture in this process has been revealed. It has been determined that medical rehabilitation includes a complex system of therapeutic, pedagogical, social, psychological and physical activities. Attention is focused on the role and physical rehabilitation. It occupies one of the main places in the complex of rehabilitation methods. The study considers therapeutic physical culture as one of the main and widespread means of physical rehabilitation. Modern Ukrainian scientists distinguish between different types of adaptive physical culture. The article provides characteristics of adaptive physical education, adaptive physical rehabilitation and adaptive sports. It has been established that for effective physical rehabilitation a number of psychocorrectional methods for regulating post-traumatic conditions can be used. In particular, we are talking about the method of rational psychocorrection and debriefing of the stress of critical situations. The main tasks of debriefing are identified. Methods of mental self-regulation and methods of personality-oriented psychotherapy are specified. In the context of a review of current publications on the research topic, it was found that the topic of providing psychological and correctional assistance to former combatants for their adaptation and rehabilitation in everyday life is increasingly relevant. According to the study results, it is summarized that rehabilitation can have temporary but significant success, resulting in dramatic improvements in quality of life. The identified personality traits of people who saw and participated in hostilities and maladaptive manifestations of their behavior and reasons should be taken into account when organizing rehabilitation activities with her.

DEVELOPING ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUNDS: ENHANCING PHYSICAL ABILITIES IN DEVELOPMENTALLY DELAYED CHILDREN

This article delves into the development of adaptive sports equipment for children's playgrounds, with a special focus on enhancing physical abilities in children with developmental delays. It explores the intricate design considerations and technological innovations that go into creating such equipment, highlighting its impact on improving motor skills, coordination, balance, and overall physical health. The article emphasizes the critical role of adaptive playground equipment in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the physical and social development of all children, especially those facing developmental challenges.

Enhancing Accessibility in India: A Roadmap for Inclusive Development

India has initiated some reforms for disabled persons but it lags behind international standards. Especially in sports, India has talented players but no support. A brief survey of para-athletes and women para-athletes show that the situation is dismal. This article propounds that subpar governance mechanisms and inadequate funding hinders basic infrastructure provisions to para-athletes. By clearly articulating the governance policies, structures, budgets and regular monitoring, the quality of services provided to disabled persons can be improved. Supportive infrastructure is essential to support women para-athletes who face social stigma and often, multiple marginalities due to intersections of gender, race and economic status with disability. While weaving accessibility in the built environment, transportation and information and communication technology is indispensable, India will have to work on changing public perception towards disabled individuals through innovative features, communication, awareness, training programs, and partnerships with private initiatives to improve the lived experiences of this community. Designing gender-inclusive infrastructure, adaptive sports equipment for women para-athletes, supplemented by comprehensive health, education and employment benefits will boost participation of women with disabilities in sports. As Indian para-sports picks speed as a result of supportive policies, governance and infrastructure, it can bring recognition and subsequent opportunities to the disabled community as a whole. This publication aims to inform policymakers, organizations, and the public about the impending progress yet to be made in accessibility and inspire efforts to create more inclusive and equitable environments for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

스포츠광고에서 모델의 장애유무에 관한 장애인과 비장애인 소비자의 광고와 브랜드에 대한 태도 비교

스포츠광고에서 모델의 장애유무에 관한 장애인과 비장애인 소비자의 광고와 브랜드에 대한 태도 비교

Стратегия развития адаптивного студенческого спорта НИУ «МЭИ»

The article highlights the innovative way of development of adaptive student sports at the NRU “MEI” in general, and motor rehabilitation of students of a special medical group, in particular. The proposed strategy is a unique realisable project being implemented, integrally combining a technological scientifically grounded approach to the problem under study, and the practical effective implementation of a multi-component motor rehabilitation model operating in its basic basis with an instrumental component of student sports.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Individuals Living with Sight Loss in Cambridgeshire.

Physical inactivity is a prevalent concern amongst adults living with sight loss. It is essential to understand why these individuals are inactive and how we can increase physical activity levels among them. Therefore, this study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to physical activity for individuals living with sight loss. Seven individuals with self-reported sight loss living in Cambridgeshire were recruited for three focus groups. Focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Seven themes which represented a barrier, or a facilitator were identified: transport, accessing information, one size fits all, negative previous experience, visually impaired sport, women in disability sport, and taster days. To increase physical activity levels amongst those living with sight loss, interventions need to be focused on the organisational level. This includes producing more accessible environments that can be produced by providing training for sport and physical activity professionals and by ensuring the physical environment is inclusive for those living with sight loss.

Forming the professional culture of a future specialist in the field of adaptive physical education and sport

The study of the issue of features of the organisation of adaptive physical education and sport is becoming increasingly popular in social and pedagogical research. In particular, since all over the world and respectively in the Republic of Kazakhstan more and more attention is paid to the expansion of opportunities for people with disabilities. That is why at the moment it is necessary to actively study the processes connected with training and formation of professional competence of specialists of this category. Hence, the purpose of the article is to analyse the available means and approaches to the educational and professional training of future employees in the sphere of adaptive physical culture and sports. Different methodological means were used for this study, among which, functional and dialectical approaches and the method of analysis and synthesis, comparison, classification, and generalisation. The results of the work done are theoretical and practical conclusions that relate to the issue under study and reveal its essence. In particular, at the beginning of the article the basic terms, in particular, adaptive physical education and professional competence of a specialist in adaptive sports were studied to fully characterise the object of research. In turn, the final component reveals specific approaches and ways of implementing training and imparting professional knowledge to future specialists. The practical value of this study is revealed in the fact that it can be used for different purposes – both in the form of methodological materials for academic disciplines and courses preparing specialists in this category and as additional material for persons wishing to improve their professional qualification. Future research papers should identify the specificities of teacher training in adaptive physical education and sport. Keywords: Education, special pedagogy, correction, rehabilitation, people with disabilities, adaptive physical education, adaptive sport

Constructing the adaptive sports perfectionism scale for players of some sports clubs in Nineveh Governorate

constructing the adaptive sports perfectionism scale for players of some sports clubs in Nineveh Governorate

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.

Voluntary sports programs for individuals with mental health disorders: The trainer's view.

There is strong evidence that physical activities (PAs) are an important factor in increasing and maintaining mental health as well as in preventing relapse after mental health disorders. Physical activity is an important part of the treatment program in psychiatric hospitals. However, when individuals with mental health disorders (IMHD) leave the hospitals in Switzerland (CH), there are few possibilities to do physical activity in a given setting. One of them are voluntary sports groups for individuals with mental health disorders (SGPSY), which have been growing continuously in CH since 2016. Yet, little is known about these groups and their training settings. Therefore, the present study explores challenges, barriers, and enablers for participation in SGPSY from the point of view of the trainers of these groups. Additionally, as the sustainable implementation of SGPSY relies on the trainer, the study aims to identify reasons/motivations as well as the personality characteristics of the SGPSY trainers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trainers of SGPSY in CH during spring 2022. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis in nVivo. Participants identified several intrapersonal (lack of motivation and fitness, mood problems, etc.), interpersonal (conflicts between participants), and structural barriers (time/location) that hinder IMHD from participating in SGPSY. The participating trainer reported that trainer might be helpful in overcoming the barriers by supporting IMHD as enablers. They rate social skills to be essential for the successful management and organization of SGPSY, as well as the ability to set boundaries to protect one's private life and sports skills expertise. The reasons for their engagement as trainers of SGPSY were the satisfaction of doing sports with IMHD and to improve the physical activities habits of IMHD. The findings of the study highlight the need to upskill the trainers of SGPSY in order to improve recruitment of the future trainers of SGPSY by focusing on the assessment of appropriate personality characteristics of trainers and their motives. Additionally, these findings should be integrated in the educational materials of Swiss disabled sports systems. Further research should validate the results from SGPSY participants' point of view.

CURRENT TRENDS AND PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL FORMATION OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS FACILITIES

The work analyzes the problem of ensuring architectural accessibility of sports facilities for people with disabilities, considers and specifies the basic terms in the field of research. 
 Adaptive sports complexes (adaptive sports facilities) are a new modern type of sports buildings. An adaptive sports facility is a sports building, designed and built on the basis of universal design, which provides equal conditions of accessibility for all users, regardless of their physical capabilities, and is equipped with specialized equipment for the physical rehabilitation of people with disabilities or temporary health disorders. Thanks to adaptive sports centers, significant socialization of people with disabilities takes place, and conditions are created for organizing their active leisure time. 
 Today, in world practice, there are two main trends in the formation of sports facilities for people with disabilities: 1) the formation of specialized centers for Paralympic sports and adaptive sports; 2) creation of accessibility conditions for people with disabilities in general sports complexes of various levels of training. The second trend is more progressive, and the formation of modern sports facilities should be focused on it. 
 An important characteristic of the architectural formation of adaptive sports facilities is the urban planning level of their placement. According to the level of urban development, sports centers can be divided into local and city-wide. Local sports centers are located in the structure of residential areas. These include specialized adaptive sports centers and sports and gyms adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. City-wide sports centers should not be connected to residential areas, as they are focused on professional sports (training of Paralympic athletes). 
 The architectural formation of adaptive sports facilities should take place as a complex of measures combining rational planning solutions, effective functional zoning, visual communication system, ergodesign and universal design. The main principles of architectural formation of adaptive sports facilities include: the principle of compositional integrity, the principle of accessibility and ergonomics of the environment, the principle of visual informativeness, the principle of functional variability and the principle of compositional and planning structuredness.

An Overview of Paralympic Sport from a Historical and Psychosocial Perspective

The Paralympic Olympic Games initiated within the framework of the Paralympic movement is not well known by the society. Understanding the psychological characteristics of para-athletes and revealing their social position will contribute to coaches, managers and all sports professionals working with these athletes. Based on this idea, in this study, the concept of Paralympics is defined, the history of the Paralympic Olympic Games and statistical information in these games are included, and the psychosocial characteristics of athletes who operate in sports environments as para-athletes are discussed. A narrative based literature review was preferred as a methodology in the study. As a result of the research, it has been seen that para sports have progressed rapidly over the years since the first day of its emergence in the historical process. When the psychological characteristics of para athletes are examined, it is understood that para athletes do sports for reasons such as performing well and winning, looking normal, adapting to injury, defending themselves, fighting against marginalization and encouraging the disabled sports movement. It has been stated that para-athletes who are emotionally stable, have cognitive flexibility and mental endurance, are self-confident, can manage stress and control their emotions are more successful in sports. It has been stated that social support is important for para-athletes when they start sports, but an overprotective structure may negatively affect the psychosocial development of para-athletes. In addition, coaches' communication and leadership skills are important for para-athletes to be successful in sports and persistence in sports.

Cluster analysis of multiple impairment measures in evidence-based classification for para-alpine sit skiers.

The International Paralympic Committee has been promoting the development of evidence-based classification to reduce the subjectivity in current decision-making systems. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity of the impairment and performance tests for para-alpine sit skiing classification, and whether cluster analysis of the measures would produce a valid classification structure. Thirty-eight para-alpine sit skiers with different disabilities completed seven tests. During these tests, isometric trunk strength, trunk muscle excitation, trunk range of movement (ROM), and simulated skiing performance (board tilt angle) were assessed. Correlations between the measures and the board tilt angle were calculated. To group athletes, K-means cluster analysis was performed according to how much the impairment measures affected the board tilting. There were significant correlations between all measures and the maximal board tilt angle (r = 0.35-0.81, p < 0.05). The cluster analysis revealed that the introduction of ROM and muscle excitation was an effective supplement to strength measures in improving the classification accuracy (53%-79%). It produced four clusters with strong structures (mean silhouette coefficient = 0.81) and large and significant inter-cluster differences in most measures and performance between clusters (p < 0.05). The cluster analysis produced classes comprising athletes with similar degrees of activity limitation. All tests reported can help establish a more transparent classification system for para-alpine sit skiers. This study also provides a reference for evidence-based classification systems in other Para sports.

The positive effects of adaptive sports intervention strategies on patients with sitting disorder

BackgroundSitting Disease refers to a series of health problems caused by prolonged sitting and lack of exercise. Long-term sitting may affect cardiovascular and mental health, and it is a common adverse reaction in psychotherapy. It is most common within 1-2 weeks of medication treatment. Therefore, the study proposes an adaptive sports intervention strategy to actively intervene in patients with sedentary disorder, in order to help them improve their overall quality and ability.Subjects and MethodsSelect sedentary patients from a rehabilitation center as the research subjects and randomly divide them into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received adaptive physical education course intervention for ten weeks, three times a week for one hour each time. The control group received routine intervention according to traditional courses. Statistical analysis of patient experimental data using the Gross Motor Development Test Third Edition (TGMD-3) and the Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL).ResultsAfter the experimental intervention, the experimental group showed significant changes in the development of basic motor skills (P&lt;0.05), while the control group showed no significant changes in their physical activity levels.ConclusionsAdaptive sports intervention has a good intervention effect on improving the basic motor skills of patients with sedentary disorder. During the experimental process, the time spent in the patient’s observation state and negative emotional state is significantly reduced, effectively improving the patient’s physical and mental health levels.

How is the participation of individuals with disabilities studied and understood in current research within the sport context? A systematic literature review

ABSTRACT In sports literature, the study of the participation of people with disabilities has largely focused on physical activity and leisure. Both within, and across, these contexts, participation is an ambiguous term. To date, there has been no systematic review of how participation is understood in research within organized sport. The aim of this study was to fill this knowledge gap and add to the body of research on participation and disability sports. The project involved a systematic review of relevant literature. Within included studies (N = 58), researchers mostly understood participation as attendance. The involvement dimension was only considered in 31% of studies, however, results show that involvement is particularly challenging to measure. Participation was studied in relation to three overarching themes: ‘Sports for all’, as a means of achieving ‘The good life’ and ‘Normalcy’. Within organized sport, more research is needed that explores the participation of people with disabilities for its inherent value, rather than viewing it as a means or an end. Moreover, when studying subjective experiences of participation, it is recommended that researchers choose empirical, rather than ideological, approaches. Finally, researchers should be deliberate in their choice of quantitative designs due to the often-small sample sizes.