The experiences of adults with physical disability participating in sport activities

Abstract

Background: Sport empowers individuals and creates a sense of inclusion for those who have been oppressed such as people with disabilities. In addition, sport can be used to escape from marginalization and promotes personal development. Sport activities promote wellbeing, active participation, and health by engaging individuals in meaningful and purposeful occupations. Sport is considered an important occupation because of its wide-ranging benefits that improve physical, cognitive, social skills, and wellbeing. Aims: After identifying the gap within the existing literature, the study aimed to understand the experiences of Maltese adults with physical disabilities participating in sport activities. Moreover, this study aimed to identify the major barriers faced by adults with physical disabilities to participate in sport and the major facilitators that enable them to do so. My final aim is to explore the implications of the findings for occupational therapy practice. Method: A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions was chosen to gain in-depth information on the participants’ experiences and perspectives of adults with physical disability participating in sports. Participants chosen for the study were selected by purposeful and snowball sampling according to the inclusion criteria. 6 semi-structured interviews were carried out, with 2 male and 4 female participants. Findings: After thematic analysis of the data obtained, 5 emergent themes were identified in connection with facilitating participation in sport activities. These include self-worth, socialisation, psychological facilitators, physical and mental ambitions, and finding purpose. In addition, 4 emergent themes were identified as barriers to participation in sport activities. These include environmental barriers, local context-specific barriers, lack of available information, and attitudinal barriers. Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of local literature on the experiences of adults with physical disability participating in sport activities. Even though the main findings of the study were similar to other international studies, some less common findings were also identified. These include the over-protectiveness of parents, lack of sport opportunities available, and the lack of competition. This is likely because of Malta`s unique small population size and local culture. Recommendations for future research, policy and practice were also provided with the aim of promoting participation in sport activities and fostering an inclusive environment for adults with physical disabilities.