European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity - Most viewed articles
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Physical Activity Frequency of Special Olympic Athletes Ages 8-18 Across Economic Status
Kathryn Rozak, John Thomas Foley, Cathy MacDonald, Rebecca Bryan, Meghann Lloyd, Viviene Temple
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 10, 14-19 (2017) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2017.006 
The purpose of the study was to examine self-reported physical activity frequency of an international sample of-children and youth aged 8-17 who participate in Special Olympics across economic status. A secondary aim was to-determine if there was a difference between males and females in physical activity frequency across economic status. Data from 12,243 children and youth were available from the Special Olympics International Healthy Athletes Database after data cleaning (7819 male and 4424 female). Prevalence rates were calculated with confidence intervals for physical activity occurring less than three days per week, or three or more days per week...
Hobby preferences and physical activity participation among children with and without autism spectrum disorder
Scott Russell, Sean Healy, Rock E. Braithwaite
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 11, 8 (2018) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2018.008
Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit low physical activity levels and are at an increased risk for health problems related to sedentary behaviors. Hobby preferences have been shown to influence physical activity participation. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the hobby preferences of children with ASD and determine if physical activity levels differed, depending on the nature (active versus sedentary) of their hobby preferences. A secondary purpose was to describe the hobby preferences of children with ASD. Participants included 86 nine-year-old children with and without ASD. Physical activity levels were reported...
Adapted physical educators’ beliefs and intentions for promoting out of school physical activity
Jill Pawlowski, Joonkoo Yun
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 12, 4 (2019) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2019.003
The purpose of this study was to examine beliefs, intentions, and behaviors of promoting out-of-school physical activity among adapted physical education teachers and comparing these beliefs, intentions, and behaviors with those of general physical education teachers. A total 253 physical educators including 208 general physical education and 45 adapted physical education teachers completed the survey measuring their behavior, attitude, self-efficacy, social normative beliefs, intention, and implementation intention of out-of-school physical activity promotion. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significantly lower out-of-school physical...
The relationship between sprint speed and sprint motion in amputee soccer players
Aya Miyamoto, Hirofumi Maehana, Toshio Yanagiya
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 12, 9 (2019) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2019.009
Sprint performance plays an important role in amputee soccer. Sprint motion such as step length and frequency are generally accepted as one of the determining factors of sprint performance. However, there is a paucity of sprint motion studies. Here we sought to analyze sprint motion in outfield positioned amputee soccer players using crutches and to clarify the relationship between sprint speed and sprint motion. Twelve male Japanese outfield players participated; they performed a 30-m sprint with maximum effort. Sprint times and speeds were recorded using electronic timing gates. A high-speed video camera recorded sprint motion. The time and distance...
Adapted Physical Activity through COVID-19
Kwok Ng
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 13, 1 (2020) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.003
Editorial for Volume 13, Issue 1, 2020 Staying physically active Staying physically educated Staying connected with research and practice
Sequential analysis of the construction of shots in wheelchair basketball and efficiency by player classification level
Roberto Alsasua, Rubén Arroyo, Javier Arana, Daniel Lapresa, M. Teresa Anguera
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 11 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.016
The objective of the present study was to analyse the construction and effectiveness of the offensive sequences of shots by members of the 2016 Paralympic gold medal men’s wheelchair basketball team. The analysis included the shot situation and of the actions leading up to the shot (reception prior to the shot, last pass, reception prior to the last pass, penultimate pass, and previous reception to the penultimate pass), based on the classification level of the player who performs the technical-tactical action. The registration and coding of the data was performed on the software programme LINCE. The reliability of the data was examined by inter-observer...
Reliability and validity of an observational system to qualify performance indicators in goalball matches: Scal-Go proposal
Isabella Alves, Leonardo Gomide, Maria Julia Rocha, Tatiana Vizu, Rodrigo Aquino, Rafael Menezes, Otávio Furtado, Márcio Morato
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 15, 2 (2022) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2021.006
Which situations compose the success and failure in goalball matches? Our aims were to develop a scale to assess performance indicators in goalball and, to evaluate this proposed scale according to contextual variables (i.e., team level, match outcome and match status). Non-participant match observation method was applied in 24 goalball matches from the Paralympic Games 2016. Firstly, an observational system development was composed by performance indicators (named as Scal-Go). Success and failure from offensive and defensive phases were stratified into a spreadsheet. Following, inter and intra reliability stages were conducted together with content...
The concurrent and predictive validity of a tool to measure strength engagement during inclusive equestrian vaulting
Virginia Lefeaux, Lynneth Stuart-Hill, Helgi Sangret, Dani Vipond, Amber Nordquist, Robert Busch, Viviene A. Temple
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 15, 5 (2022) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2021.010
Participation in muscle strengthening activities is a less examined component of public health physical activity guidelines for children and youth compared to participation in physical activity. In part, the lack of focus on strength is associated with the difficultly of measuring strength activities during participation. The aim of this pilot study was to develop and provide evidence of the concurrent and predictive validity of the Strength Observation during Vaulting (SOV) tool. Six female youth (4 with a disability and 2 without a disability) ranging in age from 11 – 22 years (Mage = 14.2 y, SD = 4.0) participating in a 5-day inclusive...
Physical activity and sport participation in veterans with extremity musculoskeletal disorders
Elahe Faraji, Ayoub Dabiri, Mostafa Allami, Mostajad Hosseini, Amir Hossein Barati
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 2 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.002
Increasing the physical activity and sport participation rates of people with disabilities has been one of the most important targets of sport policy both at national and international levels. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess participation in sports or physical activities among Iranian veterans with extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Data were obtained from health needs assessment studies conducted among Iranian veterans with musculoskeletal disorders in a 12-year period between 2005 and 2017. The collected Information on sport or physical activity participation was analyzed using χ2 test, independent t-test, partial correlation...
Dynamics of courage: Personal learning processes in an adapted physical activity- based rehabilitation context, a single case study
Mette Miklos, Reidun Jahnsen, Astrid Nyquist, Halvor Hanisch
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 9 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.001
Learning processes require individuals to find the courage to engage in challenging activities. While being highly personal, such processes always occur within a relational social system. Rehabilitation programs with adapted physical activity as the main intervention facilitate opportunities for young adults with the experience of living with a disability to explore their capacities and develop activity competence and agency. This study aims to explore the dynamic relationship between personal experiences and the social processes underpinning a learning process within a rehabilitation program based on adapted physical activity in groups. An ethnographic...
Perceptions of patients with psychosis on living an active lifestyle
Marte Bentzen, Ida Jarstadmarken, Gro Rugseth
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 13 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.006
The aim of the study was to gain insights into how people living with psychosis at a psychiatric hospital describe what living an active lifestyle means for them. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to guide the methodology. The study involved three participants diagnosed with psychotic disorder living at an institution offering long-term in-patient treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, including inviting participants to ‘walking-by-talking’ and to bring photos representing their notions of an active lifestyle to enhance the richness of the data and increase participants’ agency. All participants talked...
Reflections from 50 shades of APA
Florentina Hettinga, Kwok Ng, Aija Klavina
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 17, 1 (2024) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2024.017
This is a reflection on the ECSS symposium presentation at the ECSS 2024 congress.
SELECTING AND MODIIFYING METHODS OF MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING FOR CLASSIFICATION IN PARALYMPIC SPORT
Sean M. Tweedy, Gavin Williams, John Bourke
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 3, 7-16 (2010) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2010.005
Many Paralympic sports classification systems use unspecified manual muscle testing (MMT) methods to assess impairment of muscle strength. This is a potential source of inconsistency in classification, and could be eliminated by nominating a single, published set of MMT methods. Additionally, four modifications can enhance the validity, reliability and utility of conventional MMT methods for classification: 1) limiting assessment to movements that are important to performance in the sport concerned; 2) specifying a single preferred technique for assessment of movement strength; 3) changing the reference range of movement from normal anatomical range...
PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS IN SPECIALPOPULATION, MINORITY MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN.
Martin J. Jeffrey, Nate McCaughtry, Ann Murphy, Sara Flory, Kimberlydawn Wisdom
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 4, 54-68 (2011) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2011.004
Special-population research predicting physical activity (PA) and fitness with minority middle school children from at-risk environments is rare. Hence, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the ability of important social cognitive and environment-based measures to predict PA and fitness with children with developmental delay, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Children (N = 89, ages 11-15) completed questionnaires assessing social cognitive and environment-based constructs, self report PA, and completed fitness testing. Correlational results supported some hypotheses. The descriptive and correlational results also indicated commonalities...
A SURVEY STUDY ON ATTITUDES OF SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES VOLUNTEERS TOWARD THE INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN CHINA
Chunxiao Li, Lifan Wu
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 5, 28-38 (2012) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2012.003
Currently no study investigates the extent of exposure to people with ID among Special Olympic Games (SOG) volunteers and the relationship between the exposure and attitudes toward the inclusion of individuals with ID. Thus, the present study was to investigate this gap. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with three hundred and eighty six SOG volunteers for the 5th (China) SOG in 2010. The results revealed that SOG volunteers were exposed to ID mainly through secondary sources (e.g., parents and mass media). There was a positive correlation between exposure to ID and attitude towards the inclusion of individuals with ID. There were no significant...
AN ANALYSIS INTO THE STRUCTURE, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE CHILDREN'S ATTITUDES TOWARDS INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EDUCATION-REVISED (CAIPE-R)
Maria J. Campos, José P. Ferreira, Martin E. Block
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 6, 29-37 (2013) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2013.008
The main purpose of the present research is to test the validity and reliability of the revised version of the Children's Attitudes towards Integrated Physical Education-revised - CAIPE-R (Block, 1995), using a Portuguese sample. Participants were 683 middle school students without disabilities (n=316 females and n=367 males, between 11 and 16 years, mean age 13.31 ± 1.10). The CAIPE-R measures students 'attitudes toward including students with a disability in general physical education (GPE). The estimation of reliability was ascertained using the coefficient alpha for the two subscales and was reported at 0.72 and 0.48 respectively. Exploratory...
PHYSICAL EXERCISE, STRESS, COPING, BURNOUT AND FATIGUE IN PERSONS WITH INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY
Anne M. Lannem
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 6, 47-57 (2013) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2013.010
The aim of this study was first to examine the prevalence of burnout and fatigue in a sample of persons with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The second aim was to investigate how self-perceptions of exercise and coping with disability-stress influenced the association between stress caused by disability and burnout or fatigue. A mailed survey was performed. A total of 186 persons, 142 males and 44 females, ages between 18 - 87 years, were included in the study. Years post-injury ranged from 2 to 55. The main findings were that 15 % experienced burnout and 63% perceived fatigue or borderline fatigue. In order to perform path analysis, the method...
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH LONG TERM ILLNESSES OR DISABILITIES IN FINNISH GENERAL EDUCATION
Kwok Ng, Pauli Rintala, Jorma Tynjälä, Jari Villberg, Lasse Kannas
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 7, 58-72 (2014) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2014.005
Physical activity (PA) of adolescents with long term illnesses or disabilities (LTID) in general education is examined to provide evidence of PA levels from specific population groups. This study describes the PA levels of adolescents with LTID based on recommendations of daily 60mins of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and vigorous leisure time PA (VPA) of at least two times a week for at least one hour per week. Finnish data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study was pooled from 2002 and 2010 surveys. 1126 respondents (14.6%) self-reported as having a LTID and details of main categories of LTID were used to examine PA behaviours....
SPORTS-RELATED INJURIES IN CHINESE PARALYMPIC ATHLETES
Chunxiao Li, Lawrence T. Lam, Yandan Wu
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 8, 37-43 (2015) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2015.007
This study aimed to explore the patterns, characteristics, and perceived risk factors of sports-related injuries among Paralympic athletes. One hundred and sixty Chinese athletes with either physical disabilities or visual impairments participating at a province-level Paralympic Games were recruited. Data on the occurrence of injuries during training and competitions were collected using a self-reported injury form. Of the 160 respondents, 82 (51%) reported a sports-related injury with track and field being the most commonly reported place of injury and lower limbs (77%) the most reported body area in young athletes with disabilities. Tried and not...
Muscular strength of adult Special Olympians by country economic status
Sara Santarossa, Viviene A. Temple, Pauli Rintala, Meghann Lloyd, Brooke DeMarco, John T. Foley
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 10, 10-16 (2017) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2017.002
There is a strong relationship between economic prosperity and health as well as between muscle strength and health (morbidity and mortality). However, very little research has concomitantly examined economic prosperity and muscular strength in the general population, and no studies have simultaneously examined these factors in a population of adults with intellectual disabilities. This study examined grip strength among adult Special Olympics participants by country economic status. A total of 12,132 (men = 65%) right and left hand grip strength records were available from the Special Olympics International (SOI) FUNFitness database. The 127 countries...
The effect of a pacer versus no-pacer on submaximal fitness test results among Special Olympics athletes
Viviene A. Temple, Kendal F. Alston, Jaymie J. Elder, Lynneth Stuart-Hill
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 12, 5 (2019) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2019.005
Using a pacer when administering fitness tests reduces the practicality of testing. Additionally, presuming that a pacer is needed for all Special Olympics athletes is potentially discriminatory. We examined the need for a pacer to enhance performance and the test retest-reliability of the six-minute walk test administered with a pacer (Criterion-m6MWT) and without a pacer (No-pacer 6MWT). Participants were n=18 Special Olympics athletes (men = 12, Mean age=37 years (SD=10.1) with low support needs. After familiarization, participants completed the Criterion-m6MWT and the No-pacer 6MWT. The order of the tests was randomized. A week later, participants...
Quality partnerships in Adapted Physical Activity
Pauli Rintala
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 12, 6 (2019) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2019.012
This is an editorial for 2019 Volume 12, Issue 2.
Social Learning among Transplant Event Volunteers
Kwok Ng, Anna-Katriina Salmikangas
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 12, 8 (2019) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2019.008
Volunteering in adapted sports competitions has not been studied as much as in other competitions. Survey data from volunteers in a supportive role at the European Transplant Sport Week 2016 in Finland were analysed to report the way involvement in the event increased knowledge of transplantation. Through social learning theory, the aim of the study was to report the associations between changes in knowledge, training and volunteering experience of supportive role volunteers. A representative sample of the adult volunteers (n=95, Male=35, Female=60; Disabled=31, non-Disabled=64; Mage=49.7y old, SD=16.8) responded to a web-based survey....
Motivational physical activity intervention for psychiatric inpatients: A two phased single-cases experimental study
Marit Sørensen, Marte Bentzen, Anders Farholm
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 14 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2021.008
Physical inactivity has been identified among leading risk factors for global mortality as well as an independent risk factor for several somatic diseases. There is consistent evidence that individuals with mental illness engage in little physical activity. Therefore, this study investigated associations between a motivational physical activity intervention in treatment for psychiatric inpatients and change in; 1) physical activity level measured by accelerometer, 2) motivation for physical activity, and 3) affect and perceived functional health status. The design was a longitudinal, two-phased multiple single-cases experiment. Seven individuals completed...
Virtus Academy – driving the development of elite sport for athletes with intellectual impairment
Debbie Van Biesen
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 8 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2021.013
Editorial - Introducing Virtus Academy
Difference in balance capacity for Special Olympics athletes and non-athletes with intellectual disabilities
Sanna Fjellström, Johanna Oskarsson, Elisabeth Hansen, Anna Nordström, Marie Lund Ohlsson
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 14 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.005
Fall incidents are a significant health problem for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and physical activity improves balance capacity and can prevent the risk of falling. The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® offers health screenings and education to athletes with ID. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore whether Special Olympics athletes have better balance capacity than non-athletes with ID. During the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2020, athletes and non-athletes participated in the Healthy Athletes programme. The results of athletes (n=47) and non-athletes (n=25) for balance tests (i.e. single leg stance,...
DISABLED BODIES AND STORIED SELVES: AN EXAMPLE OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH AND NARRATIVE INQUIRY
Brett Smith
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 1, 23-34 (2008) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2008.002
Based on life history data, this qualitative article explores the self-perceptions of a small group of men who, due to a spinal cord injury (SCI) through playing rugby union football, have made a transition from the world of the able-bodied into the world of disability where they remain to this day. The most common kinds of perceptions of self used by the men through telling their stories as they live post-SCI is focused upon in detail. The narrative analyses reveal that three types of narratives help structure and shape the ways in which these men storied their embodied perceptions of self. For the majority of the participants, the restitution narrative...
THE NATURE OF WORK AND ROLES OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATORS IN THE UNITED STATES
Martin Kudláček, Ondřej Jeąina, Dana ©těrbová
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 1, 45-55 (2008) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2008.008
The purpose of this study was to describe the nature of work and roles of public school adapted physical educators in selected school districts in the United States. The greatest significance of this study was the creation of information base to guide improvement of service delivery and professional preparation. Participants of the study were 6 females and 2 males with experience teaching (range of 2-23 years) in the field of adapted physical education (APE). Data collection included individual indepths interviews, demographic data sheets and interview notes. Results showed the differences in the nature of work among APE specialists. Participants had...
ON-LAND COMMUNITY-BASED AEROBIC AND STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Michelle Kelly, David Legg
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 2, 7-20 (2009) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2009.001
Research has been conducted on the effects of strength training for children with cerebral palsy but there are large gaps in our understanding of the nature of aerobic limitations and the effects of exercise interventions on function. There is also a paucity of research on the effects of combined interventions involving both strength and aerobic training. For these reasons this study was pursued with the question being what effects, specific to energy expenditure, muscle strength, and perceived satisfaction and perceived performance of a functional motor goal resulted from a community exercise program using both aerobic and anaerobic components for...
RELIABILITY OF THE 20-METRE SHUTTLE RUN FOR CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Mike Gillespie
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 2, 7-13 (2009) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2009.005
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically exhibit lower levels of cardiovascular fitness as compared to their non-disabled peers. Identification of valid, reliable indicators of fitness for this group is critical in terms of developing and evaluating interventions aimed at ameliorating deficits in fitness. While significant literature is available regarding fitness tests among adults with ID, less is known about appropriate assessments for children with ID. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the reliability of the 20-metre shuttle run test for young children with ID. Thirty children (mean age = 8 years, zero months)...