Perspectives on adapted physical activity formation in Europe
Yves Vanlandewijck
Effects of lower limb eccentric strength training on functional measurements in football players with cerebral palsy
Alonso Alarcón, Matías Henríquez, Luis Peñailillo
This study examined the effects of eccentric strength training on muscle function and functionality in football players with cerebral palsy (CP). Eight players (M=21.6, SD=5.9 years) performed bilateral lower limb (LL) eccentric strength training for six-week at 80% of one repetition maximum (ECC), three times per week, while nine players (M=20.9, SD=6.6 years) were used as controls (CTL). Knee extensor muscles isometric (MVC) strength, asymmetry between LL, thigh perimeter, balance (Y-balance test) and agility (Illinois agility test) were measured in both LL before and after training. CTL maintained all dependent variables unchanged after six weeks….
‘The blind leading the blind’ – A reflection on coaching blind football
David Mycock, Győző Molnár
There are well-established links between successful athlete development, retention and high-quality coaching. Such links between athletes and coaches are also pertinent in disability sports. However, there is limited knowledge around coaching and coaches’ needs and barriers in disability sport. To bridge this gap, a self-narrative approach was employed covering a 5-year period of the first author’s career of coaching Blind (B1) and Visually Impaired (VI) football. This personal account provides a narrative, which identifies a range of key issues around the challenges of coaching practice in adapted football. Personal stories are presented…
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Physical Activity Behaviour for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease Using the Social Ecological Model
Bradley MacCosham, Evan Webb, Wahid Hamidi, Jessica Oey, Francois Gravelle
Physical activity (PA) can benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, many individuals tend to be sedentary. This qualitative study explored factors influencing PA behaviour for individuals with PD using the social ecological model. Twelve individuals with PD took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically analysed. Results suggest that individuals with PD experience several constraining and facilitating factors to PA behaviour. Intrapersonal constraints revolved around uncertainties that PA is beneficial for individuals with PD, a lack of interest in available PA programs, and disease-specific issues whereas…
“It Was Like a Big Alive Wheelchair”: Experiences of Therapeutic Horseback Riders
Cathy MacDonald, Michelle R. Zitomer
Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has many physical and psychological benefits for youth with physical disabilities. However, to the authors knowledge, no study has explored participant experiences of THR within the context of self-determination. Self-determination is essential for quality of life outcomes for youth with disabilities and it may help individuals acquire greater choice and control over personal physical activity needs. Therefore, this study aimed to understand youths’ experiences in THR through a lens of the theory of self-determination. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with a physical disability…
Social influences in recreational sport programs for emerging adults with a disability: A preliminary examination using a mixed methods approach
Krystn Orr, Katherine A. Tamminen, M. Blair Evans, Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos
The purpose of this study was to examine the social experiences of emerging adults with disabilities within recreational sport programs. Focusing on the nature of social experiences during practice sessions as well as experiences transitioning into adult sport programs, the current research involved qualitative interviews and a group interview, along with researcher observations of athlete interactions during training sessions. A further goal was to develop an observational tool for coding social interactions within disability sport programs. Seven athletes from disability sport programs were observed and interviewed (28% female), with an intellectual…
Ball trajectories and the probability of scoring a goal in elite male goalball throws
Rafael Fujita, Otávio Furtado, Márcio Morato
Goalball court can be divided into six sectors, each measuring 1.5m in width. The sectors are used for analysing the game. To shed light on spatial factors that may influence offensive and defensive success in goalball, we analysed the throwing frequency and attack efficacy with different ball trajectories in elite male goalball attacks. We determined the origin and target sectors (sector 1 on the far-right goalpost of the court and sector 6 to the left goalpost to goalpost) of 7949 throws from 49 matches played at Paralympic Games and World Championships. The reliability ranged from .82 to 1.00 using the Kappa index. Our findings showed that attackers…
