Identifying factors that influence physical activity (PA) among individuals with Down syndrome is essential for PA promotion. Insight can be gained from guardians and health professionals. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of guardians and health professionals on facilitators and barriers of PA in individuals with Down syndrome. Interviews were conducted with 11 guardians (five mothers, four fathers, and two legal guardians) and 11 professionals (four PA specialists, three physical therapists, and four occupational therapists). Grounded theory was applied. Barriers and facilitators fit the levels of the ecological model of health behavior: (a) intrapersonal (perceived rewards), (b) interpersonal (interaction), (c) community (availability of programs), (d) organizational (school systems), and (e) policy (education). Guardians and professionals agreed on the importance of enjoyment, interaction, and programs to promote PA. Differences between groups were identified at the organizational and policy levels. PA in persons with Down syndrome is influenced by interactions between individual and environmental factors.
Factors That Influence Physical Activity in Individuals With Down Syndrome: Perspectives of Guardians and Health Professionals
Emma E. Schultz, Katerina Sergi, Gregg Twietmeyer, Nicolas M. Oreskovic, and Stamatis Agiovlasitis
Outdoor Physical Activity and Play Among Canadian Children and Youth With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the National Physical Activity Measurement Study
Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Raktim Mitra, Ritu Sharma, and Sarah A. Moore
This study explored the association between socioecological factors and outdoor physical activity (PA) and play in children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents (N = 133) completed a survey to report changes in their child’s outdoor PA and play during the pandemic (from prepandemic levels), and child, household, and neighborhood environment factors. Children with a PA-supporting parent and from multichild and White households had lower odds of reporting decreased outdoor PA. Children from multichild, higher income, married couple households and a PA-supporting parent had lower odds of decreased outdoor play. Living in neighborhoods with higher urbanization (i.e., high dwelling density, street intersections, and land-use mix) was associated with greater odds of decreased outdoor PA and play. Future research that uses larger and more representative samples of children with disabilities is needed to test for the multivariate effects of socioecological variables on outdoor PA and play.
U.S. Physical Activity Para Report Card for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities
Heidi Stanish, Samantha M. Ross, Byron Lai, Justin A. Haegele, Joonkoo Yun, and Sean Healy
The U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has tracked 10 physical activity (PA) indicators common to the Active Healthy Kids Global Matrix since 2014. This article expands on the U.S. report cards by presenting PA indicator assessments among children and adolescents with disabilities. Grades for indicators were assigned based on a search of peer-reviewed articles presenting nationally representative data. The Global Matrix 3.0 benchmarks and grading framework guided the process. Grades for overall PA, sedentary behaviors, organized sports, and school were F, D+, D+, and D, respectively. Insufficient evidence existed to assign grades to the remaining six indicators. There is a need in the United States for targeted PA promotion strategies that are specific to children and adolescents with disabilities. Without a commitment to this effort across sectors and settings, the low grades identified in this para report card are expected to remain.
Health Outcomes of Physical Activity Interventions in Adults With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Brantley K. Ballenger, Emma E. Schultz, Melody Dale, Bo Fernhall, Robert W. Motl, and Stamatis Agiovlasitis
This systematic review examined whether physical activity interventions improve health outcomes in adults with Down syndrome (DS). We searched PubMed, APA PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycARTICLES, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection using keywords related to DS and physical activity. We included 35 studies published in English since January 1, 1990. Modes of exercise training programs included aerobic exercise, strength training, combined aerobic and strength training, aquatic, sport and gaming, and aerobic and strength exercise interventions combined with health education. The evidence base indicates that aerobic and strength exercise training improve physical fitness variables including
Development and Pilot Testing of the Disability Awareness Training and Education Program Among Community-Based Group Fitness Instructors
Brynn Adamson, Mina Woo, Toni Liechty, Chung-Yi Chiu, Nic Wyatt, Cailey Cranny, and Laura Rice
Lack of disability awareness of fitness professionals is a well-established barrier to exercise participation among people with disabilities that is likely related to the lack of disability awareness training for group fitness instructors. The purposes of this study were to develop, implement, and evaluate a disability awareness training for group fitness instructors. A 90-min video training and resource manual were developed. We recruited 10 group fitness instructors from one recreation center to participate. Participants completed baseline, posttraining, and 2-month follow-up testing on survey-based outcomes including disability attitudes, confidence in exercise adaptations, and training satisfaction. Participants’ confidence to adapt fitness classes was significantly improved; however, disability attitudes were high in the pretest and not significantly different posttraining. Semistructured interviews were conducted posttraining and revealed three themes: Formal disability training is needed, Managing inclusive class dynamics, and Training suggestions and satisfaction. This training demonstrated a feasible intervention for increasing disability awareness among community-based group fitness instructors.
“It Shaped My Future in Ways I Wasn’t Prepared for—in the Best Way Possible”: Alumni Volunteers’ Experiences in an Adapted Sports and Recreation Program
Meredith Wekesser, Guilherme H. Costa, Piotr J. Pasik, and Karl Erickson
Adapted sport participation can have many positive benefits for adults with disabilities. However, one barrier to implementing successful adapted sport programs is lack of knowledgeable volunteers who understand accessibility and disability. In fact, little is known about volunteers’ experiences in adapted sport programs. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine experiences of able-bodied volunteers in an adapted sport program. A sample of 105 able-bodied volunteers (M age = 24.28 ± 1.93) completed an online qualitative survey to share their experiences. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis, and seven main themes were identified. Results showed that despite differences in initial motives for volunteering, involvement in an adapted sport program was transformative and, for some, life changing. Able-bodied volunteers experienced a wide range of benefits including deeper understanding and awareness of disability and inclusion in sport. Practical recommendations are provided for volunteer-based adapted sport program leaders.
Coach and Athlete Perspectives on Talent Transfer in Paralympic Sport
Nima Dehghansai, Alia Mazhar, and Joseph Baker
Research pertaining to the experiences and motives of Paralympic athletes who transfer between sports is scant. This study aimed to address this gap through semistructured interviews with Canadian Paralympic coaches (n = 35) and athletes (n = 12). Three higher-order themes of “alternative to retirement,” “career extension,” and “compatibility” were identified. The subthemes of “psychobehavioral” and “physical and physiological” (from the higher-order theme of alternative to retirement) captured reasons leading to transfer, which are similar to reasons athletes may consider retirement. The subthemes of career extension—“better opportunities” and “beneficial outcomes”—shed light on factors that contributed to the withdrawal of negative experiences and reinforcement of positive outcomes associated with transferring sports. Last, compatibility had three subthemes of “resources,” “sport-specific,” and “communication,” which encapsulated factors athletes should consider prior to their transfer. In conclusion, the participants highlighted the importance of transparent and effective communication between athletes and sports to align and establish realistic expectations for everyone involved.
Expert Views on Evidence-Based Classification for Goalball: A Delphi Study
Anna M. Martin, Donghyun Ryu, Robin C. Jackson, and David L. Mann
Para sport classification aims to minimize the impact of impairments on the outcome of competition. The International Paralympic Committee requires classification systems to be evidence based and sport specific, yet the sport of goalball uses a structure that is not supported by evidence demonstrating its legitimacy for competition. This study aimed to establish expert opinions on how a sport-specific system of classification should be structured in the sport of goalball. Using a three-round Delphi survey, 30 international experts expressed their views across topics linked to goalball classification. Participants were divided as to whether the current system fulfills the aim to minimize the impact of impairment on competition. Most felt that less impairment should be required to compete but that the one-class structure should remain. Experts identified measures of visual function that should be considered and 15 core components of individual goalball performance. Findings constitute a crucial first step toward evidence-based classification in goalball.
Volume 40 (2023): Issue 1 (Jan 2023)
2022 Para Report Card on Physical Activity of Israeli Children and Adolescents With Disabilities
Yeshayahu Hutzler, Riki Tesler, Avinoam Gilad, Kwok Ng, and Sharon Barak
Children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) represent 11% of Israeli children and adolescents. The 10 core indicators of the Global Matrix on Para Report Cards of physical activity (PA) of CAWD were used to create the 2022 Israeli Para Report Card. A panel of four experts reviewed resources and synthesized evidence of PA behaviors and policies for CAWD in Israel, converted the data to grades, and charted subcategories of language, sex, and disability across population. Data sources were surveys, reports, and memberships in sport federations and clubs. Among CAWD, levels of participation in daily PA were poor (<20%; Grade F), and participation of CAWD in sports was even lower (<10%; Grade F). A lack of environmental infrastructure may explain the low levels of participation. Females, Arabic speakers, and physiological CAWD need particular attention. Establishing governmental policies and interventions is required to increase overall PA and participation in sports among CAWD.
Kujua sababu za utendaji wa kimwili kwa watu wenye ugonjwa wa Down ni muhimu. Waangalizi na wataalamu wa afya wanaweza kutoa maoni yao. Lengo la utafiti huu lilikuwa kuchunguza mtazamo wa walezi na wataalamu wa afya juu ya kuwezesha na vizuizi vya PA kwa watu wenye Down syndrome. Mkutano huo ulifanyika na wataalamu 11 (mama 5, baba 4 na walezi wawili wa kisheria) na wataalamu 4 (mtaalamu wa matibabu ya afya, mtaalamu wa matibabu ya mwili, mtaalamu wa matibabu ya kazi). Nadharia yenye msingi ilitumiwa. Vizuizi na vichocheo vinafaa viwango vya mfano wa ikolojia wa tabia ya afya: (a) intrapersonal (mzuri), (b) interpersonal (mshirika), (c) jamii (upatikanaji wa programu), (d) shirika (mfumo wa shule), na (e) sera (elimu). Walinzi na wataalamu walikubaliana juu ya umuhimu wa kufurahia, mwingiliano, na programu za kukuza PA. Tofauti kati ya makundi ziligunduliwa katika ngazi za shirika na sera. Ugonjwa wa Down syndrome unaathiriwa na mwingiliano kati ya mambo ya mtu binafsi na mazingira. "Kulingana na utafiti wa utafiti wa utafiti wa ""Kelvin Arbour-Nicolopoulos, Rakim Mitra, Ritu Sharma na Sarah Moore,"" Utafiti huu ulichunguza uhusiano kati ya sababu za kijamii na mazingira na shughuli za nje za mwili (PA) na kucheza kwa watoto wenye ulemavu wakati wa janga la COVID-19." Wazazi (N = 133) walijaza uchunguzi wa ripoti ya mabadiliko katika PA ya nje ya mtoto wao na kucheza wakati wa janga (kutoka viwango vya kabla ya janga), na watoto, familia, na mambo ya mazingira ya jirani. Watoto wenye wazazi wanaopenda kucheza na watoto wa familia ya watoto wengi na watoto wa familia ya wazungu walikuwa na uwezekano mdogo wa kuripoti kupungua kwa kucheza nje, na watoto kutoka kwa familia ya watoto wengi, familia ya wanandoa walioolewa na wazazi wanaopenda kucheza na watoto wa watoto walikuwa na uwezekano mdogo wa kupungua kwa kucheza nje. Kuishi katika vitongoji vyenye idadi kubwa ya watu (yaani, makazi mengi, makutano ya barabara, na mchanganyiko wa matumizi ya ardhi) kulihusishwa na uwezekano mkubwa wa kupungua kwa PA ya nje na kucheza. Utafiti wa baadaye unaotumia sampuli kubwa na za uwakilishi zaidi za watoto wenye ulemavu unahitajika kupima athari za multivariate za vigezo vya kijamii na ikolojia kwenye PA ya nje na kucheza. Marekani "Kulingana na ripoti ya ""Utendaji wa Kimwili kwa Watoto na Vijana"" iliyochapishwa na Heidi Stanich, Samantha M. Ross, Byron Lai, Justin A. Haigle, Joanne Yun, na Sean Healy, ""Utendaji wa Kimwili kwa Watoto na Vijana"" ni moja ya viashiria vya utendaji wa kimwili vya watoto na vijana." Makala hii inaongeza juu ya kadi za ripoti za Marekani kwa kuwasilisha tathmini za kiashiria cha PA kati ya watoto na vijana wenye ulemavu. Grades kwa ajili ya viashiria walikuwa kupewa kulingana na utafutaji wa peer-reviewed makala kuwasilisha kitaifa mwakilishi data. Mifano ya Global Matrix 3.0 na mfumo wa kupima uliongoza mchakato huo. Alama za jumla za PA, tabia za kukaa, michezo iliyoandaliwa, na shule zilikuwa F, D+, D+, na D, kwa mtiririko huo. Hakuna uthibitisho wa kutosha wa kutoa maksi kwa viashiria sita vilivyobaki. Kuna haja nchini Marekani kwa ajili ya malengo PA kukuza mikakati ambayo ni maalum kwa watoto na vijana wenye ulemavu. Bila kujitolea kwa juhudi hii katika sekta na mazingira, viwango vya chini vilivyoainishwa katika kadi hii ya ripoti inatarajiwa kubaki. Matokeo ya Afya ya Utendaji wa Kimwili kwa Watu Wazima na Down Syndrome: Mapitio ya Mfumo Brantley K. Ballinger, Emma E. Schultz, Melody Dale, Bo Fernhall, Robert W. Motl, na Stamatis Agiovlasitis, Tathmini hii ya kimfumo ilichunguza ikiwa uingiliaji wa utendaji wa kimwili unaboresha matokeo ya afya kwa watu wazima na Down Syndrome. "Wanafunzi walichunguza ""PubMed,"" ""APA PsychInfo,"" ""SPORTDiscus,"" ""APA Psychothecals,"" na ""Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection"" kwa kutumia maneno muhimu yanayohusiana na ugonjwa wa ADHD na shughuli za mwili." Kwa mfano, tulichapisha makala 35 za Biblia zilizochapishwa katika Kiingereza tangu Januari 1, 1990. Programu za mazoezi ya mwili ni pamoja na mazoezi ya aerobic, mazoezi ya nguvu, aerobic na mazoezi ya nguvu, michezo ya maji na michezo ya michezo, na mazoezi ya aerobic na nguvu pamoja na elimu ya afya. "Kutumia aerobics na mazoezi ya nguvu kwa ajili ya kuboresha fitness ya mwili, pamoja na maendeleo na majaribio ya majaribio ya programu ya mafunzo ya elimu ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu, pamoja na mafunzo ya uelewa wa ulemavu.""" Malengo ya utafiti huu yalikuwa kuendeleza, kutekeleza, na kutathmini mafunzo ya ufahamu wa ulemavu kwa waalimu wa mazoezi ya kikundi. Video ya dakika 90 ya mafunzo na mwongozo wa rasilimali ulitengenezwa. Tulishauri waalimu 10 wa mazoezi ya mwili kutoka kituo kimoja cha burudani kushiriki. Washiriki walimaliza mstari wa msingi, baada ya mafunzo, na miezi miwili ya kufuatilia vipimo juu ya matokeo ya utafiti, ikiwa ni pamoja na mitazamo ya ulemavu, ujasiri katika mazoezi ya mazoezi, na kuridhika na mafunzo. Ushiriki wa kujiamini kurekebisha madarasa ya mazoezi ya mwili iliboreshwa kwa kiasi kikubwa; hata hivyo, mitazamo ya ulemavu ilikuwa ya juu katika pretest na sio tofauti sana baada ya mafunzo. Mahojiano ya nusu-mfumo yalifanywa baada ya mafunzo na kufunua mandhari tatu: Mafunzo rasmi ya ulemavu yanahitajika, Udhibiti wa nguvu za darasa la ujumuishaji, na Mapendekezo ya Mafunzo na kuridhika. Mafunzo haya yalionyesha uingiliaji unaowezekana kwa kuongeza ufahamu wa ulemavu kati ya waalimu wa mazoezi ya mwili wa kikundi cha jamii. "Mwanzoni mwa mwaka wa 2020, tulikuwa na mpango wa ""Mafunzo ya Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu wa Uzoefu.""" Hata hivyo, kizuizi kimoja cha kutekeleza programu za mafanikio za michezo iliyobadilishwa ni ukosefu wa wajitoleaji wenye ujuzi ambao wanaelewa upatikanaji na ulemavu. Kwa kweli, ni mambo machache yanayojulikana kuhusu mambo ambayo wajitoleaji wamepitia katika programu za michezo iliyobadilishwa. Kusudi la utafiti huu lilikuwa kuchunguza retroactively uzoefu wa kujitolea wenye uwezo wa mwili katika mpango wa michezo iliyobadilishwa. Kwa mfano, waandaaji wa 105 wenye uwezo wa kufanya kazi (umri wa M = 24.28 ± 1.93), walifanya utafiti wa ubora wa mtandaoni ili kushiriki uzoefu wao. Takwimu zilichambuliwa kwa kutumia uchambuzi wa kina wa mandhari, na mandhari saba kuu zilitambuliwa. Matokeo yalionyesha kwamba licha ya tofauti katika nia ya awali ya kujitolea, ushiriki katika programu ya michezo iliyobadilishwa ilikuwa ya kubadilisha na, kwa baadhi, kubadilisha maisha. Wajitoleaji wenye uwezo wa mwili walipata faida nyingi ikiwa ni pamoja na uelewa wa kina na ufahamu wa ulemavu na kuingizwa katika michezo. Mapendekezo ya vitendo hutolewa kwa viongozi wa programu ya michezo iliyobadilishwa ya kujitolea. "Mafunzo ya Mkufunzi na Mwanariadha juu ya Uhamisho wa Vipaji katika Michezo ya Paralympic: Nima Dehghansai, Alia Mazhar, na Joseph Baker, ""Utafiti unaohusiana na uzoefu na nia ya wanariadha wa Paralympic ambao hubadilisha kati ya michezo ni mdogo." Utafiti huu ulikusudiwa kushughulikia pengo hili kupitia mahojiano ya nusu-mfumo na makocha wa Paralympic wa Canada (n = 35) na wanariadha (n = 12). Mandhari tatu za utaratibu wa juu wa "mbadala wa kustaafu", "kuongeza kazi", na "kuendana" zilitambuliwa. Subthemes ya <unk>psychobehavioral<unk> na <unk>physical and physiological<unk> (kutoka kwa mandhari ya juu ya mbadala wa kustaafu) ilikamata sababu zinazoongoza kwa uhamisho, ambazo ni sawa na sababu wanariadha wanaweza kuzingatia kustaafu. mandhari ndogo ya muda mrefu wa kazi <unk> fursa bora <unk> na <unk> matokeo ya manufaa <unk> shed mwanga juu ya mambo ambayo kuchangia kujiondoa ya uzoefu hasi na kuimarisha matokeo mazuri kuhusishwa na kuhamisha michezo. Mwishowe, utangamano ulikuwa na mandhari tatu ndogo za " rasilimali, " " maalum kwa michezo, " na " mawasiliano, " ambayo ilifunika sababu ambazo wanariadha wanapaswa kuzingatia kabla ya uhamisho wao. "Mashirika yalikazia umuhimu wa mawasiliano ya uwazi na yenye ufanisi kati ya wanariadha na michezo ili kuunganisha na kuanzisha matarajio ya kweli kwa kila mtu anayehusika. """ "Kutokana na utafiti wa ""Evidence-Based Classification for Goalball: A Delphi Study"" uliofanywa na Anna M. Martin, Dong Hyun-ryu, Robin C. Jackson, na David L. Mann, wataalamu wa michezo ya Parasport wanaona kuwa ni muhimu sana kupunguza athari za ulemavu kwenye matokeo ya mashindano." Kamati ya Kimataifa ya Paralympic inahitaji mifumo ya uainishaji kuwa msingi wa ushahidi na maalum kwa michezo, lakini mchezo wa Goalball hutumia muundo ambao haujasaidiwa na ushahidi unaoonyesha uhalali wake kwa mashindano. Utafiti huu ulilenga kuanzisha maoni ya wataalamu juu ya jinsi mfumo wa uainishaji wa michezo maalum unapaswa kuundwa katika mchezo wa goalball. Katika utafiti wa Delphi, wataalamu 30 wa kimataifa walielezea maoni yao juu ya mada zinazohusiana na uainishaji wa mpira wa bao. Washiriki walikuwa kugawanyika kama mfumo wa sasa inakidhi lengo la kupunguza athari ya udhaifu juu ya ushindani. Wengi waliona kwamba udhaifu mdogo unapaswa kuhitajika kushindana lakini kwamba muundo wa darasa moja unapaswa kubaki. Wataalamu waliamua vipimo vya utendaji wa kuona ambavyo vinapaswa kuzingatiwa na vipengele 15 vya msingi vya utendaji wa mpira wa lengo. Matokeo ni hatua muhimu ya kwanza kuelekea utambulisho wa msingi wa ushahidi katika goalball. "Kama ilivyoelezwa katika ripoti ya ""Kadi ya Ripoti ya Para"" ya Shirika la Afya la Kimataifa kuhusu Shughuli za Kimwili za Watoto na Vijana wa Israeli wenye Ulemavu, Yeshayahu Hatzler, Riki Tesler, Avinoam Gilad, Kwok Ng, na Sharon Barak, ""Watoto na Vijana wenye Ulemavu"" (CAWD) wanawakilisha 11% ya watoto na vijana wa Israeli." "Kama ilivyoelezwa katika ripoti ya Global Matrix on Para-Report Cards of Physical Activity (GMAPA) ya CAWD, ""Kifaa cha kuandaa ripoti ya mwaka 2022 cha Israeli ni: Jopo la wataalamu wanne lilikagua rasilimali na kuunganisha ushahidi wa tabia za PA na sera za CAWD nchini Israeli, ikabadilisha data kuwa darasa, na kuorodhesha makundi madogo ya lugha, jinsia, na ulemavu katika idadi ya watu. Vyanzo vya data vilikuwa uchunguzi, ripoti, na uanachama katika mashirika ya michezo na vilabu. Katika CAWD, viwango vya ushiriki katika PA ya kila siku vilikuwa duni (<20%; Daraja F), na ushiriki wa CAWD katika michezo ulikuwa chini zaidi (<10%; Daraja F). Ukosefu wa miundombinu ya mazingira unaweza kueleza viwango vya chini vya ushiriki. Wanawake, wasemaji wa Kiarabu, na CAWD ya kisaikolojia wanahitaji uangalifu maalum. Kuanzisha sera za serikali na uingiliaji inahitajika kuongeza jumla ya PA na ushiriki katika michezo kati ya CAWD.