Analysis of the Experience of Individuals With Disability With Selected Aspects Related to Mono-Skiing

Abstract

Physical activities for individuals with disability contribute to improving motor skills and positively affect psychosocial areas of life. The mono-ski winter activity is currently experiencing a great development in our country. The aim of the study was to analyze the experiences of individuals with disability with selected aspects related to mono-skiing through the processing of quantitative data obtained via a questionnaire survey. The research sample consisted of 60 persons -participants of mono-ski courses at the Centre for Disabled Skiers in Janské Lázně. The results of the survey show that 76.6% of the respondents consider mono-skiing to be an important part of their lives. The three key benefits cited by respondents were 1) increased joy of life and the opportunity to have fun, 2) diversified life and feeling of excitement, and 3) establishing warm relationships with others. In addition to the above values, the main reasons leading to mono-skiing included enhancing psychological stability as a means of improving mental health. The study results also show that of the target group of post-injury individuals (21 individuals), 81% returned to skiing thanks to mono-skiing and the activity helped to maintain the level of their previous life. The results suggest that monoskiing contributes not only to the possibility of carrying out one's own physical activity, but also to improving psychological health, contact with others, and dedication to skiing even in the post-injury state. We present the findings of the analysis as initial outputs of a planned larger study that will aim to evaluate the impact of mono-skiing on the quality of life in individuals with disability involved in this activity.