"Sports for All"-An Evaluation of a Community Based Physical Activity Program on the Access to Mainstream Sport for Children with Intellectual Disability

Barriers faced by people with disabilities in mainstream sports: a systematic review

Introduction

Despite advances in inclusive policies and social awareness, the participation of people with disabilities (PwD) in mainstream sports remains limited due to numerous barriers. This systematic review seeks to identify and critically analyse the main obstacles hindering equitable participation of PwD in conventional sports, while proposing evidence-based strategies to overcome these challenges.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted on Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, covering studies published between 2000 and 2024. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for analysis.

Results

The findings highlight major barriers, including insufficient training for coaches and sports club managers, negative and discriminatory attitudes, an entrenched ableist mindset, limited access to information, and a lack of accessible facilities. These factors collectively impede the active participation of PwD in sports.

Discussion

To overcome these challenges, a coordinated approach is essential, encompassing attitude transformation, targeted training for sports personnel, the implementation of inclusive policies, economic incentives, and enhanced communication strategies. Additional recommendations include integrating universal design principles into sports facilities, establishing support networks and fostering a cultural shift in societal perceptions of disability.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42024544589).

From the pitch to personal growth: Investigating self-esteem as a mediator and parental support as a moderator in youth sports in China

This study focuses on the intricate connections among youth sports, personal development, and skill acquisition in contemporary China. Building upon established theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay among various variables. Employing a robust methodology that accounts for mediation and moderation effects and with a sample of 808 individuals representing diverse demographics, the findings shed light on the significant influence of family structure, particularly the prevalence of extended family arrangements, on an individual's character development. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal role of personal characteristics, particularly self-esteem, in shaping admirable traits. The research identifies several contributing factors to positive character development, including active participation in sports, parental support, accessibility to sports facilities, positive peer influence, and high self-esteem. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure by offering positive reinforcement and serving as role models. These findings hold important implications for youth development programs, emphasizing the vital role of parents in guiding character development, particularly in the context of peer pressure.

A pilot study on sports activities in pediatric palliative care: just do it

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing interest in studying the value of physical exercise in children with disabilities or chronic health conditions because of evidence of improvement in quality of life, social acceptance, and physical functioning. However, only scant evidence exists for routine sports activities in children requiring pediatric palliative care (PPC), and in most cases, such evidence has been collected in oncological patients. The Pediatric Hospice of Padua is the referral center for PPC in the Veneto region (northern Italy). Starting from the experience of this PPC center, this pilot study aims to describe the personal experience of children and young people who practice physical activity and their caregivers' perspectives, focusing particularly on the emotional and social impact of exercise and sports practice.

METHODS

Patients involved in at least one regular and structured sports activity were included in the pilot analysis. Two different ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth Version) scales ("Body Function" and "Activity and Participation") were filled out to assess the children's global functional competence. Two online ad hoc questionnaires were created and administered to children, when able to respond, and caregivers.

RESULTS

A total of 9% of patients reported being involved in a sports activity. All children who played sports did not have indications of cognitive retardation. The most practiced sport was swimming. The use of standardized methods such as ICF-CY shown that severe motor impairments do not limit sports accessibility. Questionnaires result suggest that sports are a positive experience for both children needing PPC and their parents. Children encourage other children to do sports and can find the positive side even in difficulties.

CONCLUSION

Since PPC is encouraged as early as the diagnosis of incurable pathologies, the inclusion of sports activities in the context of a PPC plan should be considered from the perspective of improving quality of life.