European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity - Most viewed articles
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The association between the constructs of social cognitive theory and physical activity in adults with disabilities: A meta-analysis
Byungmo Ku, Willie Leung
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 17, 3 (2024) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.010 
With the inconsistency regarding the association between the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) and physical activity (PA) in adults with disabilities, the purpose of the current study was twofold: a) to examine the association between constructs of SCT and PA in adults with disabilities using meta-analysis procedures, and b) to identify moderators for the association between the SCT constructs and PA among adults with disabilities. With predetermined inclusion criteria, a total of 15 studies were included in the current review. The pooled associations under the random-effect model between SCT variables and PA in adults with disabilities were...
Effects of a multicomponent exercise program on upper extremity strength, range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and adherence in adults with spinal cord injury
Myeongjin Bae, Yongro Lee, Jooyeon Jin
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 17, 12 (2024) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2024.009
This study aimed to examine upper extremity muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with attention paid to accessibility in built structures and adapted equipment that can facilitate exercise attendance and adherence. Eighteen participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 9) or the control (n = 9) group. Intervention group participants performed the exercise program using adapted weight machines for 75 minutes per session, twice a week for 10 weeks. This study collected measures of feasibility and assessed muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance....
ATTITUDES OF 5th AND 6th GRADE GREEK STUDENTS TOWARD THE INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AFTER A PARALYMPIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
Anna K. Panagiotou, Christina Evaggelinou, Agapi Doulkeridou, Katerina Mouratidou, Eirini Koidou
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 1, 31-43 (2008) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2008.007
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the "Paralympic School Day" (PSD) program on the attitudes of 5th and 6th grade Greek students without disabilities and the effect of gender differences on the inclusion of children with disabilities in physical education classes. The 178 children were divided into two groups, (an experimental n = 86 and a control group n = 92). The experimental group received a day program, PSD, aimed at creating awareness and understanding of people with disabilities. All children answered twice the CAIPE-R, Children's Attitudes toward Integrated Physical Education - Revised Questionnaire (Block, 1995),...
A CONTEMPORARY REVIEW OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LITERATURE ON INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION: A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Deirdre O'Brien, Martin Kudláèek, Peter David Howe
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 2, 46-61 (2009) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2009.004
The state of inclusion for students with disabilities in general physical education (GPE) varies across European countries. In many countries inclusive physica al education is still a developing practice. The purpose of this review of literature published in English is to highlight current debates surrounding the inclusion of students with disabilities in physical education, in hope that there might be a degree of consensus of opinion surrounding the facilitation of inclusive practices within Europe. This review covers an eight year period commencing in early 2000. A total of twenty seven articles are highlighted in this review using the Theoretical...
The effectiveness of bandwidth knowledge of results on a throwing task in goalball players with visual impairments
Nir Dov Shimony, Ronnie Lidor, Gal Ziv
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 13, 13 (2020) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.009
The purpose of the current study was to examine whether a wide bandwidth knowledge of results (WBWKR) would result in better throwing accuracy and consistency compared to a narrow bandwidth knowledge of results (NBWKR) among goalball players with visual impairments. Elite goalball players (n=14) were randomly assigned to one of two groups – a WBWKR or a NBWKR group. The participants practiced a throwing task on a goalball court with either a wide bandwidth (1.98 m) or a narrow bandwidth (1.5 m) target. They completed the task at pre-test and acquisition phases. Seventy-two hours after the participants completed the acquisition trials, they performed...
“It Was Like a Big Alive Wheelchair”: Experiences of Therapeutic Horseback Riders
Cathy MacDonald, Michelle R. Zitomer
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 5 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.017
Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has many physical and psychological benefits for youth with physical disabilities. However, to the authors knowledge, no study has explored participant experiences of THR within the context of self-determination. Self-determination is essential for quality of life outcomes for youth with disabilities and it may help individuals acquire greater choice and control over personal physical activity needs. Therefore, this study aimed to understand youths' experiences in THR through a lens of the theory of self-determination. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with a physical disability...
Influence of hard, artificial grass and clay court surfaces on wheelchair tennis players’ mobility-a case study
Alejandro Sánchez-Pay, David Sanz-Rivas
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 10 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.015
Wheelchair mobility is an important factor for success in wheelchair tennis. Tennis matches can be played on different surfaces, so the aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of court surface on wheelchair tennis mobility. Four male wheelchair tennis players (age = 33.75 ± 12.33 years) performed two tests (20 m sprint and agility t-test) on three official court surfaces (hard, artificial grass and clay). Photocell gates were used to record time and ascertain sprint and turn ability of the wheelchair tennis players. ANOVA test with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted to compare the mean differences among surfaces. Following...
Differences in Special Olympics athletes and non-athletes with intellectual disability: physical activity, strength and aerobic fitness
Johanna Oskarsson, Sanna Fjellström, Elisabeth Hansen, Marie Ohlsson
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 7 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.015
Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have higher degree of sedentary lifestyle and participate in physical activity less compared to the general population. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse if participation in Special Olympics increase the level of physical activity (PA) and influence physical health aspects such as BMI, muscular strength and aerobic fitness for people with ID. Data were analysed from the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2020, on athletes (n=38) and non-athletes with ID (n=20), of strength (partial sit-up-, seated push-up-, handgrip- and timed sit to stand test), aerobic fitness (2 min step up test),...
Monitoring oxygen uptake, blood lactate and heart rate in swimmers with impairments: A systematic review
Wellington G. Feitosa, Ricardo de A. Correia, Tiago M. Barbosa, Flávio A. de S. Castro
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 16 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.008
Physiological parameters give an indication of the potential swimming performance. Studies regarding swimmers with impairments which gather information on physiological parameters are scarce. The aim of this study was to summarize the results of studies involving oxygen uptake, blood lactate and heart rate in swimming protocols for swimmers with physical impairments. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and EBSCO for complete studies between database inception and May 22nd, 2023. Ten studies (n = 142) fulfilled the inclusion criteria (including swimmers with physical impairments that monitor oxygen...
ATHLETIC IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN FLEMISH ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY
Peter Van de Vliet, Debbie Van Biesen, Yves C. Vanlandewijck
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 1, 9-21 (2008) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2008.001
The aim of this study is to investigate athletic identity, self-esteem and physical self-perceptions in Flemish athletes with a disability, to investigate the mutual relationships between those variables, and to evaluate their stability over time. Flemish athletes (Paralympic level, n = 23; Non-Paralympic Elite level, n = 37) filled out questionnaires 11 months before the Paralympic Games (PG), 3 months before the PG, and immediately afterwards. Participants in both groups report strong levels of athletic identity, comparable to profiles in able-bodied sportive individuals. Similar findings are reported for global self-esteem and physical self-perceptions....
THE EFFECT OF A PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME ON FLEXIBILITY OF UPPER BODY AND TRUNK IN VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND DEAF-BLIND PERSONS
Airi Surakka, Tero Kivelä
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 4, 7-21 (2011) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2011.001
Optimal twist of the trunk, shoulder rotation and reciprocal arm swings are necessary for good balance and gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a multidimensional physical training programme on flexibility of the upper body and trunk in visually impaired and deaf-blind persons. Participants were assigned randomly to the experimental and the control group. Fifteen participants (12 visually impaired and three deaf-blind, mean age 55 years, SD 9.0) completed the 5-6-week long physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week). The control group consisted of 14 participants (nine visually impaired and five deaf-blind,...
WHEN SITTING BECOMES SPORT: LIFE STORIES IN SITTING VOLLEYBALL
Sidiropoulos Charalampos, Carla Filomena Silva, Martin Kudlacek
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 8, 30-44 (2015) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2015.003
Results of recent studies support a growing literature which indicates that exercise and physical activity are associated with better quality of life and health outcomes. The purpose of the present qualitative study is to gain a deeper insight into how sitting volleyball players perceive the impact of the sport on their lives. So far, the research in the field of disability and sport has tended to focus on ideological approaches rather than empiricism. Thus, the present study explores how the participants experience their disability and their involvement in sport. The research was conducted with a group of 5 male sitting volleyball players (aged 32...
PHYSICAL FITNESS, SELF-PERCEPTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT MOTOR COMPETENCE
Vigdis Vedul- Kjelsås, Ann-Katrin Stensdotter, Monika Haga, Hermundur Sigmundsson
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 8, 45-57 (2015) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2015.004
The aim of the study was to investigate if children at the age of 11 with total scores at or above 13.5 (lower motor competence) on Motor assessment Battery for Children (MABC) differ from children scoring below 13.5 (higher motor competence) in physical fitness, self-perception and physical activity. A total of 67 children completed the Test of Physical Fitness and Harter‟s Self-perception Profile for Children, and two questions concerning physical activity. Children with lower motor competence performed poorer on all fitness tasks, were less physically active and had lower perception of athletic competence and social acceptance, than the group...
Fundamental movement skill and physical fitness measures in children with disabilities
Aija Klavina, Karina Ostrovska, Martins Campa
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 10, 28-37 (2017) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2017.004
This study aimed to explore fundamental motor skills and physical fitness outcomes in the group of children with visual, physical and intellectual disabilities. Alongside the average data outcomes, possible gender differences in all measures were also explored. In addition, the association between the level of movement performance and physical fitness variables was investigated. Participants were 82 elementary school age children with mild to moderate disabilities (mean age 9.6 years). To assess fundamental movement skills (FMS), children completed the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) -2. Physical fitness was measured by the four tasks including...
Psychometric Properties of the Physical Self-perception Profile: Short Clinical Version in Geriatric Populations
José Pedro Ferreira, Maria Helena Cruz, Tiago Ferreira Salgueiro, Kenneth Richard Fox
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 10, 3-13 (2017) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2017.005
The short clinical version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile - (CPSPP) was constructed to measure self-perceptions in the physical domain in older people and patients in clinical and rehabilitation settings. It is made up of subscales to assess perceptions of physical function, physical health, strength, sports competence, body attractiveness and also overall physical self-worth (PSW). Using confirmatory factor analysis, the present study tested the factorial validity of CPSPP, with 1002 Portuguese participants aged 65 or more (74.39 ± 7.11). This included 501 males (74.26 ± 7.08) and 501 females (74.52 ± 7.15) from private and...
Wheelchair basketball: fitness and quality of life
Natan Feter, Chaiane Calonego, Allana Carla Cavanhi, Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 11, 5 (2018) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2018.001
Abstract: The study aimed to assess the physical activity (PA) level, subjective perception of quality of life (QOL), muscle strength, flexibility, and agility in wheelchair basketball (WB) players from Pelotas/RS. The sample consisted of 10 WB amateur athletes. For muscle strength, it was applied three isometric handgrip tests - maximum handgrip test (MIHS in kgf), sub-maximum handgrip test (to assess strength endurance at 70% of MIHS (70MIHS in s) and scapular isometric test (SIS), - and two isotonic tests to measure strength endurance (maximum repetitions in 1 min) in: i) elbow flexor muscles (EFS) and ii) shoulder abductors (SAS). To evaluate agility,...
Elite Athletes’ Perspectives about the Importance of Psychological Preparation and Personal Experiences with Sport Psychology
Tânia Bastos, Rui Corredeira, Michel Probst, António Manuel Fonseca
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 13, 5 (2020) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.001
Portuguese elite athletes with disabilities (n=14) were interviewed to explore the importance assigned to psychological preparation and their personal experiences on sport psychology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using standard qualitative methodology. All the participants highlighted the importance of psychological preparation in sports performance. Moreover, it was evident a gap on applied sport psychology among the athletes. Most of the athletes never had any kind of psychological intervention for sport. Although some participants mentioned barriers to sport psychology intervention (e.g., athlete’s age, perception of psychological...
Social influences in recreational sport programs for emerging adults with a disability: A preliminary examination using a mixed methods approach
Krystn Orr, Katherine A. Tamminen, M. Blair Evans, Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 6 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.014
The purpose of this study was to examine the social experiences of emerging adults with disabilities within recreational sport programs. Focusing on the nature of social experiences during practice sessions as well as experiences transitioning into adult sport programs, the current research involved qualitative interviews and a group interview, along with researcher observations of athlete interactions during training sessions. A further goal was to develop an observational tool for coding social interactions within disability sport programs. Seven athletes from disability sport programs were observed and interviewed (28% female), with an intellectual...
Adaptation of the Sport Motivation Scale in Flemish-speaking athletes with and without intellectual disabilities
Adriana Marin-Urquiza, Debbie Van Biesen
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 15, 9 (2022) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.005
Motivation is essential for adopting and maintaining active lifestyles. This study aims to adapt an instrument that comprehensively screens the degree and type of motivation in Flemish speaking athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). A translated (SMS-FL), a modified (SMS-FL-ID), and a condensed (SMS-FL-ID-short) version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) (Pelletier et al., 1995) were created. The 7-factor structure of each scale was examined by an exploratory factor analysis in a sample of athletes without ID (n = 230) and athletes with ID (n = 96). The results confirmed preliminary acceptance of the SMS-FL development. However, two psychometric...
Step regulation in Paralympic long jumpers with intellectual impairment
Adrián García-Fresneda, Apostolos S. Theodorou, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Miguel Angel Torralba Jordán, Josep-Maria Padullés, Xavier Padullés, Mariana C. Kotzamanidou
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 15, 10 (2022) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.004
Long jump has been extensively used in the investigation of perception-action coupling. The restraints imposed by the tasks nested at the take-off board compel skilled long jumpers to adjust the length of the final 4-5 steps of the run-up based on visual input informing about time-to-arrival. This exploratory study examined the visual regulation parameters in athletes with intellectual impairment (II) during the approach of the long jump. The approach run of 10 elite level T20 Class long jumpers (IIJ) and 10 international level long jumpers without II (NIJ) was recorded during competition. An initial ascending variability of foot placement was observed...
Early motor skill interventions for children with autism; secondary effects on parents and families
Leanne K. Elliott, Jonathan A. Weiss, Meghann Lloyd
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 10 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.003
Motor skill interventions can improve the motor proficiency of children with autism, however, the secondary effects associated with these interventions are not well understood. The aim of this study is to describe 1) parents’ experiences with an early motor skill intervention for their children with autism, and 2) the secondary effects of the intervention on parents and families. Parents (n = 8) of four-year-old children with autism who participated in a 12-week motor skill intervention were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences. The study was grounded in descriptive phenomenology. Three themes emerged...
Exploring Quality Participation through Dance Movement Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Celina H. Shirazipour, Elizabeth Eichler, Parissa Safai, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 17, 4 (2024) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2024.001
The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of the six quality participation (QP) elements developed for physical activity programs for individuals with disability (autonomy, belongingness, challenge, engagement, mastery and meaning) within the context of dance movement therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. This is a single-case study with semi-structured interviews that involved eight participants (six women and two men) from a dance movement therapy program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, to explore participants’ experiences within the context of the QP elements. Data were analyzed using reflexive...
PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND EVERYDAY LIFE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Anne Merete Kissow, John Singhammer
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 5, 65-81 (2012) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2012.009
The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between participating in physical activity on a regular basis and civic activities for people with disabilities. Data were collected using telephone interviews with 1,321 people, who reported having some impairment related to legs, arms, hands, vision, behaviour or intellect. The sample was randomly selected by The Danish National Centre for Social Research, which also conducted the interviews. The data material is representative of all persons in Denmark aged 16 - 64 years according to gender, age, income, employment and education, and analyses were conducted using STATA 11.2. The study...
IS THE WHEELCHAIR FENCING CLASSIFICATION FAIR ENOUGH? A KINEMATIC ANALYSIS AMONG WORLD-CLASS WHEELCHAIR FENCERS
Ying-ki Fung, Derwin King-Chung Chan, Kim M. Caudwell, Bik-chu Chow
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 6, 17-29 (2013) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2013.002
The purpose of this study was to employ a kinematic analysis to determine the extent to which the Wheelchair Fencing Classification (WFC) can reliably predict and classify wheelchair fencers' trunk functional ability, during WFC functional classification assessment condition (without supporting bar) and competition condition (with supporting bar). Participants were 14 world-class wheelchair fencers from Hong Kong, with 9 WFC category A and 5 WFC category B fencers. Participants performed wheelchair fencing actions (i.e., lunge and fast-return) in two conditions (i.e., standard WFC testing condition and wheelchair fencing in competition condition)....
Physical Activity for Adults with Visual Impairments: Impact of Socio-Demographic Factors
Justin A. Haegele, Xihe Zhu, Jihyun Lee, Lauren J. Lieberman
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 9, 3-14 (2016) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2016.001
Little is known about what factors influence physical activity participation for adult-aged individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of socio-demographic factors on the physical activity participation of adults with visual impairments. The international physical activity questionnaire-short form and a socio-demographic factor questionnaire were distributed to individuals with visual impairments. A total of 176 adults (Mage = 47.04, 52.8% female) completed the questionnaires. Physical activity and socio-demographic variables were analyzed descriptively and relationships were explored using correlation...
Inclusion in physical education: Perceptions of Irish and Swiss student teachers following participation in a European exchange programme
Susan Marron, Sonia Morris
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 11, 2 (2018) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2018.002
This study focused on inclusion in physical education (PE) and investigated, using the theory of planned behaviour, how a teacher education exchange programme across two European countries: (i) influenced the attitudes of student teachers (ST) towards inclusion; (ii) critically challenged the subjective norm; and (iii) impacted on the confidence of STs towards inclusive practice in PE lessons. The methodology used was qualitative (n=6) and included focus group interviews and reflective reports. Four themes emerged from a thematic analysis of the data: (i) understandings of inclusion in mainstream PE; (ii) learned methods of including children with...
Static balance ability of persons with visual impairment on firm and foam surfaces
Triloki Prasad, Subhankar Ghosh, Asis Goswami
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 13, 10 (2020) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.002
The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is an easily administered test of short duration static balance. In daily activities including sports, people with low vision (partially sighted) or partial blindness and visual impairment face difficulty while balancing their body in static positions. The purpose of this study is to test balance and stability of people with low vision or partially sightedness (PS) and full blindness (FB) using BESS test. The BESS was used to measure the error in the range from 0 for "excellent balance" and 10 for "very poor balance". A total of 106 volunteers participated in the study that included 43 PS (mean age = 17.5y, SD...
Effects of lower limb eccentric strength training on functional measurements in football players with cerebral palsy
Alonso Alarcón, Matías Henríquez, Luis Peñailillo
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 14, 2 (2021) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2020.010
This study examined the effects of eccentric strength training on muscle function and functionality in football players with cerebral palsy (CP). Eight players (M=21.6, SD=5.9 years) performed bilateral lower limb (LL) eccentric strength training for six-week at 80% of one repetition maximum (ECC), three times per week, while nine players (M=20.9, SD=6.6 years) were used as controls (CTL). Knee extensor muscles isometric (MVC) strength, asymmetry between LL, thigh perimeter, balance (Y-balance test) and agility (Illinois agility test) were measured in both LL before and after training. CTL maintained all dependent variables unchanged after six weeks....
The effects of fatigability on shooting skill performance in goalball penalty shots
Jônatas Augusto Cursiol, Tarine Botta de Arruda, Isabella dos Santos Alves, Luiz Henrique Palucci Vieira, Fabio Augusto Barbieri, Ricardo Augusto Barbieri
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 15, 12 (2022) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.006
This study evaluated the influence of acute fatigue on shooting skill performance in goalball penalty shots. Eleven sub-elite male players were evaluated in an official court using a two-dimensional procedure (60 Hz) to compute the mean radial error, bivariate variable error and accuracy, and three-dimensional kinematics (240 Hz) to measure ball velocity. Rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentration and knee extension isometric maximal voluntary contractions were assessed at rest and immediately after the completion of an incremental test specific to goalball. Although significant differences were observed for rating of perceived...
The European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity (EUJAPA) on its 16th volume – Editor-in-Chief farewell and welcome
Pauli Rintala, Kwok Ng, Florentina Hettinga
European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 1 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2023.002
Editorial for outgoing and incoming Editor-in-Chief of European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 2023