No abstract

Children with a visual impairment are less active than their sighted peers. Yet they are born with the potential to match their sighted peers' motor skill competency and levels of physical fitness. Environmental barriers are one of the main causes of inequities. This paper provides insight on these issues, drawing upon a physical activity intervention called 'First Steps', a British Blind Sport initiative that aimed to get more children with a visual impairment more active. Physical activity packs were delivered to 53 children aged 5-15 years old with a visual impairment. Of these participants, 62% had additional impairments or medical conditions. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather participants' experiences of physical activity prior to receiving this pack and canvas opinion on how the pack changed their activity levels. The findings revealed inequitable experiences of physical activity. The First Steps pack made considerable progress in developing children's physical activity levels. Participants' motor skills, social interactions and confidence improved. Organisations working with this population might look to adopt a similar concept. Recommendations for those wishing to do so are provided.

(2018) An investigation into the comparative learning gain and 'value added' for students from widening participation and non-widening participation groups: a case study from sports degrees, Higher Education

For many years nebulisers have been the standard method of delivering beta agonists in ventilated patients, but metered-dose inhalers are increasingly seen as an effective alternative. Metered-dose inhalers are cheaper and less likely to cause infection. Clinical studies have shown inhalers to be as effective as nebulisers, but their use demands careful attention to detail. Minor alterations in inhaler technique can alter the delivered dose six-fold, varying from 0 to 38% of the total dose. We surveyed the frequency of metered-dose inhaler use and assessed the adequacy of the techniques currently employed. Our survey showed that only a minority (25%) of units were using inhalers, but that of these, 84% were using a dose or technique that was unlikely to deliver a therapeutic dose.