Adaptive Sports in Spinal Cord Injury: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Adaptive sports (AdS), sports modified or created to accommodate persons with disabilities, have been gaining popularity over the last decade. The benefits of exercise in the able-bodied population are well-established. Literature in adaptive sport and the para-athlete continues to improve but is not yet as comprehensive as their able-bodied peers, in part due to the heterogeneity of participants. In this review, we appraise the recent literature pertaining to AdS and identify developing areas within the field. Recent Findings AdS have been shown to have positive health benefits as well as positive psychosocial benefits. Para-athletes often must overcome a variety of barriers to participation, such as transportation, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors. Facilitators to participation have also been identified, including pre-injury interest in sports, male sex, younger age, and more. In addition to well-known sports like handcycling and wheelchair basketball, adaptive sport continues to evolve, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now including virtual options and E-sports. Para-athletes are also being more closely monitored and evaluated pre, peri, and post competition for injury and injury prevention, including in the realm of concussion management, requiring healthcare professionals, coaches, players, and all to gain further knowledge in adaptive sport and the participating para-athletes. Summary The physical, psychological, and social benefits of adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities are numerous. Addressing barriers to participation, including novel forms of AdS that utilize innovative technology, may allow more individuals to benefit from AdS.

Case study: Evaluating deep-water start techniques and training demands in seated slalom waterskiing for an athlete with paraplegia

“…Despite its contributions to research for sports for people with physical impairments ( Liu et al, 2022 ), the study is not without limitations. Primarily, the reliance on a single participant restricts the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of athletes with SCI ( Rayes et al, 2022 ). It is important to acknowledge that the limited participation of athletes with SCI in research inherently restricts the breadth of training recommendations, which often rely on the anecdotal experiences of coaches, athletes, and scientists ( Perret, 2017 ).…”

Determining the Impact of Adapted Yoga Training on Physical Functioning in Students with Mild Intellectual Disability

“…eISSN 1993-7997. ISSN-L 1993 in both intellectual functioning (IQ) and adaptive behaviour, which manifest during the developmental period (Rayes et al, 2022). These limitations often impact a person's ability to effectively navigate day-to-day activities, communicate, and participate in social interactions (Kharbat et al, 2020;Bouzas et al, 2018;Bartoshesky et al, 2021).…”

“…These limitations often impact a person's ability to effectively navigate day-to-day activities, communicate, and participate in social interactions (Kharbat et al, 2020;Bouzas et al, 2018;Bartoshesky et al, 2021). While the severity of ID varies among individuals, those classified with mild ID typically demonstrate intellectual functioning within the range of approximately 50 to 70 IQ points (Rayes et al, 2022;Lynnes et al, 2009;Carter & Swank, 2014). Physical activity interventions tailored to the needs of individuals with ID are essential for promoting their overall health and well-being (Yan et al, 2022;Jacob et al, 2023).…”

“…Adapted yoga programmes include modified postures, visual adjustments, and specialised assistance to enhance participation and engagement for people with disabilities. Programmes are designed specifically to meet their unique needs and skills (Scroggins et al, 2016;Rayes et al, 2022).…”

“…Adapted yoga interventions have shown promise in improving various aspects of physical functioning in individuals with disabilities (Garg et al, 2013;Mohanty et al, 2016;Kaur & Bhat, 2019). Research's has demonstrated the possible advantages of adapted yoga practices for people with intellectual disabilities, including improvements in flexibility, balance, muscle strength, relaxation, and overall quality of life (Pise et al, 2017;WASET, 2023;Rayes et al, 2022). However, the majority of studies in this area have focused on adults or mixed-age populations, with limited research specifically addressing the impact of adapted yoga training on physical functioning in students with mild ID.…”