Effects of scuba diving programmed classes on Bosnian war veterans with amputations

Abstract

Aim: Diving is an ideal sport for almost all people with physical disabilities, and therefore, has been increasingly popular as a way of rehabilitation for such people. The aim of this study was to determine the attainment of the elements of diving techniques, and the effects of programmed instruction of diving on the psychosocial status of war veterans with amputations. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 12 male participants. In order to assess the psychosocial status of the applied sample, five different psychological scales were implemented before and after the diving training. Data analysis was performed using parametric and nonparametric statistics. Results: After the three-week diving program, results show that the distribution of data has changed and is in favor of the final measurement. There is a statistically significant difference between initial and final measurements given that the Z =-3.06 index is significant at the level of (p < 0.01) adopted the elements of diving technique. The results indicate that in patients with amputations, there has been an improvement in the Perception of Social Support. Conclusion: The study showed that after a three-week programmed diving training, the quality of life of people with disabilities has improved and they adopted elements of diving techniques. This shows that people with disabilities are as well qualified for recreational diving when accompanied by a diving instructor, which again suggests that disability in and under water does not represent a barrier for recreational underwater activities.

Scuba Diving as a Form of Rehabilitation for People with Physical Disabilities

“…It can also be seen in the number of divers who participated in the study (64 people) as compared to non-divers ( n = 118). The groups of divers examined in studies carried out by other authors were also small [ 9 , 20 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The biggest group in the present study comprised people suffering from motoric dysfunctions, which were the main reason for the disabilities. In the majority of published studies concerning the diving of people with disabilities, the studied group was also composed of people whose disability resulted from dysfunctions of the locomotor system, such as paraplegic divers [ 7 , 26 ], war veterans [ 6 , 27 ] or people after limb amputations [ 20 ].…”

“…In a study involving war veterans, Morgan et al [ 27 ] demonstrated that participation in diving classes may help to reduce anxiety and depression levels, as well as improve social functioning and, following this, relationships with the social environment. Aganović [ 20 ] reported that, after a 3-week diving training program, the disabled individuals were well-prepared for recreational diving, comparable to fully abled people. Therefore, in the author’s opinion, a disability is not a barrier in recreational participation in that physical activity.…”

“…Diving may eliminate the limitations resulting from disabilities [ 9 , 12 , 18 ]; it often enables people with disabilities to exceed the possibilities of their able-bodied peers who report average levels of physical activity. The awareness of being a disabled person doing something unusual helps the disabled feel exceptional, which facilitates the process of accepting one’s own status [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, one should not forget the possible hazards and risks entailed in scuba diving.…”

“…They may be responsible for supervising the equipment of disabled individuals and for all the actions that they cannot perform. To communicate with the assistants, a certain method of communication needs to be established and then modified, if necessary, and adapted to one’s requirements [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”