Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 21;36(2):304-305. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

3 University of Limerick.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 27;36(2):223-241. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

1 University of Alberta.

The indignities imposed by the words and actions of strangers in public recreation facilities can deter families with children experiencing disability from using these spaces. An interpretative phenomenological analysis case study was conducted to gain an understanding of how a young family with a child with autism experiences dignity during family leisure. Three generations (parents, grandmother, and great grandmother) participated in audio-recorded semistructured and conversational interviews. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 27;36(2):264-281. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

1 University of Alberta.

Community service learning (CSL), built on collaborative, reciprocal, and diverse disability-community partnerships, is a taken-for-granted pedagogical practice in adapted physical activity. Thus far, the CSL experiences of community members as they support student learning are virtually unknown. The purpose of the study was to understand how community members experienced an undergraduate adapted physical activity CSL course. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 22;36(2):282-301. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

1 University of Alberta.

Parents play an essential role in the transition from separate physical activity programs to inclusive settings for their children. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of parents as they anticipate and prepare for their children experiencing disability to transition, understand strategies used to address transition, and gain insights into the supports important to families during transition. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach, semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 8 parents whose children were undergoing the transition from separate to inclusive community fitness contexts. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 22;36(2):185-201. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

1 University of Birmingham.

One significant barrier to physical activity (PA) for people with disabilities is the lack of access to PA information. The purpose of this study was to explore how access to PA information can be improved for people with disabilities, their carers, and PA-session facilitators. To investigate the flow of PA information within a communication network, principles derived from knowledge translation were used: information audiences, messengers, methods, and effectiveness. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 22;36(2):242-263. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

1 Shanghai University of Sport.

This study aims to explore the perception of students with special needs on inclusion in physical education and identify the factors that facilitate or inhibit their inclusion. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 students with various special needs from five secondary schools in Shanghai. Content analysis was utilized to analyze the interview data. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Apr 15;36(2):202-222. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

2 Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

This study explored children's experiences of participating in one-to-one physical training programs to identify how programs can best promote physical activity participation for children with cerebral palsy. A qualitative descriptive design with self-determination theory was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 children with cerebral palsy, age 8-14 years, who participated in a fundamental-movement-skills or lower-limb strength-training program. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 04 10;36(2):306. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

In the article Brian, A., Taunton, S., Shortt, C. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 20:1-2. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

3 University of Limerick.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 18:1-23. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

1 University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Fewer than 20% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in enough exercise to manage MS symptoms and improve function. To address this problem, the authors developed a conceptual model to promote exercise among persons with MS through the patient-provider interaction within health care settings. The current qualitative study evaluated and refined the conceptual model based on 32 semistructured interviews involving persons with MS. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 18:1-16. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

2 University of Jyväskylä.

In cross-country sit-skiing, the trunk plays a crucial role in propulsion generation and balance maintenance. Trunk stability is evaluated by automatic responses to unpredictable perturbations; however, electromyography is challenging. The aim of this study was to identify a measure to group sit-skiers according to their ability to control the trunk. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 18:1-19. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

1 Old Dominion University.

The theory of planned behavior is a psychological framework designed to examine the relationship between beliefs and volitional behaviors such as physical activity engagement. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the published empirical literature on the use of the theory of planned behavior in the context of physical activity beliefs and behaviors of individuals with disabilities. Electronic-database searches were conducted to identify relevant articles published between 1990 and 2018, yielding 11 articles that met all criteria for inclusion. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jan 16;36(1):132-149. Epub 2018 Dec 16.

1 Miguel Hernández University.

This study addresses the associations between students' ability beliefs and attitudes toward inclusion in physical education, as well as the impact of gender and previous contact/participation with children with disability on these variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 976 students (491 girls and 485 boys; age 11-16 years), who responded to ability beliefs and attitudes questionnaires. Ability beliefs (entity and incremental) and the 3 sociodemographic variables predicted 20. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 16:1-14. Epub 2018 Dec 16.

1 Education University of Hong Kong.

Teachers' attitudes toward students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are vital predictors of successful inclusive education. Guided by the basic psychological needs theory, this cross-sectional survey aimed to examine the relationships among mindfulness, basic psychological needs satisfaction (basic psychological needs theory-based construct), and attitudes toward including students with ASD among preservice physical education (PE) teachers. A multisection survey form was administered to 211 preservice PE teachers. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jan 11;36(1):77-90. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

1 University of South Carolina.

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in motor competence, perceived motor competence (PMC), body mass index, and physical activity (PA) and to assess factors that predict PA behaviors of preschool children with and without disabilities. A total of 59 children with (n = 28) and without (n = 31) disabilities participated in the study. Results revealed that children with disabilities had significantly greater amounts of PA than peers without disabilities. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jan 12;36(1):42-60. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

1 University of Porto.

This study aimed to identify the social representations of sports for Brazilian athletes with disabilities and to understand the extent to which sports can contribute to their empowerment. A total of 153 Brazilian athletes of various sports and with different types of disabilities took part in the study (122 men and 31 women; M = 31.91 years, SD = 9. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 7:1-23. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

1 Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.

This article is focused on how combinations of motivational attributes and motivational climates support social and pedagogical inclusion in physical education among children with disabilities. Theoretically, the authors integrate tenets from achievement-goal theory and self-determination theory. To capture the motivational complexity underlying children's experiences of inclusion in physical education, they use a 2-step fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jan 7;36(1):1-18. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

1 Queen's University.

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (age 5-17 yr) consolidate evidence-informed daily requirements for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep into 1 comprehensive resource. The primary objective of this study was to explore how parents of children and youth with disabilities (CYWD) perceive the guidelines. The secondary objective was to explore whether parents consider the guideline branding to be inclusive. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Dec 11:1-18. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

1 Old Dominion University.

The purpose of this study was to examine the reflections of adults with visual impairments regarding paraeducator support during their school-based integrated physical education. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and 9 adults (age 21-34 years; 8 women and 1 man) with visual impairments acted as participants. Semistructured audio-recorded telephone interviews and reflective field notes were sources of data. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 1;35(4):476-497. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

1 University of Alabama at Birmingham/Lakeshore Research Collaborative.

This review examined demographic and clinical characteristics of participants from exercise trials in 3 neurologic disability conditions (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury) and compared these data with population-based statistics. The authors included 75 published studies from 2006 to 2016: 53 studies for multiple sclerosis (n = 2,034), 14 for spinal cord injury (n = 302), and 8 for traumatic brain injury (n = 272). Pooled data resembled some heterogeneous aspects of population data sets. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 30;35(4):424-436. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

1 Texas Woman's University.

The purpose of this study was to compare acute cardiometabolic responses to 3 modes of treadmill exercise in adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eight elderly adults with PD (67.9 ± 3. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 30;35(4):381-402. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

1 Oregon State University.

The purpose of this study was to explore the current levels of physical activity among youth with disabilities using meta-analysis. The search identified 11 publications including 729 participants (age 4-20 yr). The overall effect size for 11 studies was Hedges g = 0. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 28;35(4):361-380. Epub 2018 Oct 28.

1 Syracuse University.

Despite having the desire to become physically active as a family, parents of children with visual impairments often lack the skills and resources needed to provide appropriate physical activities (PAs) for their children. The purpose of this study was to explore the intentions of parents of children with visual impairments toward including their children in PAs after participating in a PA program. In this descriptive qualitative study, the participants were 10 parents of children with visual impairments. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 26;35(4):458-475. Epub 2018 Oct 26.

4 Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.

Adapted physical activity (APA) is characterized by a strong orientation to professional practice. Currently, there exists limited empirical research about the professional status of APA in the context of rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and understand the professional status, role, and work tasks of APA specialists in Norway. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 10 26:1-2. Epub 2018 Oct 26.

3 Iowa State University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 25;35(4):403-423. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

2 University of British Columbia.

Physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to have positive effects on cognitive function, particularly executive function (EF) skills. Animal models suggest PA may be effective in ameliorating some of the neuropsychological effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), but this approach has not been extended to humans. The purpose of this study was to develop a PA program, FAST Club, for children with FASD and to evaluate its effect on a measure of EF. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 18;35(4):342-360. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

1 University of Alberta.

Locating suitable, inclusive community physical activity programs for disabled children can be challenging for parents. The aim of this study was to uncover everyday hidden labor experienced by parents, as they sought inclusive physical activity opportunities for their children. Focus group interviews with eight families of youth aged 13-19 years were completed using an interpretative phenomenological case study research approach. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 18;35(4):437-457. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

5 University of Alabama at Birmingham.

This paper examines the need for interdisciplinary knowledge in the formation of public health models for health-promoting physical activity (PA) for people experiencing disability. PA promotion for people experiencing disability is a multifaceted endeavor and requires navigating a multitude of complicated and interactive factors. Both disability and health are multifaceted constructs and the relationship between PA and health is embedded within a complicated web of interactive influences. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct 18;35(4):329-341. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

2 East Carolina University.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether prior biped tennis playing experience results in different visual search strategies compared with no prior biped playing experience. A total of 32 wheelchair (WC) tennis players, 17 males and 15 females, ranked between 1 and 16 on the International Tennis Federation rankings participated in this study. Half the players had prior experience playing tennis as a biped player, and half had no prior experience in biped tennis. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jun 19:1-2. Epub 2018 Jun 19.

2 Iowa State University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jul 11;35(3):249-253. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

1 University of Alberta.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jul 12;35(3):293-307. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

2 McGill University.

Critical pedagogy owes much of its emergence, development, and ongoing relevance to the work of Paulo Freire whose legacy remains relevant for a next generation of scholars who seek to explore issues of inclusion, oppression, social justice, and authentic expression. An interdisciplinary dialogue between critical pedagogy and adapted physical activity is timely, appropriate, and should focus on complex profiles of neurodiversity, mental illness, and mental health, with emphasis on pedagogic practices of practitioners in service delivery and teacher educators who prepare them for professional practice. A case-based scenario approach is used to present practitioner and teacher educator practices. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 03 27:1-4. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

5 Texas Woman's University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jul 25;35(3):308-319. Epub 2018 Mar 25.

1 University of Sheffield.

What do disability labels give us and what do they steal from us? How possible is it to live our lives without categories when life is necessarily categorical? In this brief provocation, I want to explore the disability labels through recourse to three perspectives that have much to say about categorization, disability, and the human condition: the biopsychological, the biopolitical, and, what I term, an in-between-all politics. It is my view that disability categories intervene in the world in some complex and often contradictory ways. One way of living with contradictions is to work across disciplinary boundaries, thus situating ourselves across divides and embracing uncertainty and contradiction to enhance all our lives. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 07 25;35(3):267-284. Epub 2018 Mar 25.

1 University of Alberta.

In this article, I explore the concept of axiology in the context of adapted physical activity research and analyze its connection to the more commonly discussed paradigmatic assumptions of epistemology and ontology. Following methodological scholars, I argue for an acknowledgment of the pivotal role that axiology already plays in adapted physical activity research and for the potential interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary opportunities that could be enabled by engaging with axiology in more explicit ways. I discuss a number of potential axiological gaps between the field of adapted physical activity and disability communities, arguing that such differences may undermine attempts at doing meaningful transdisciplinary research with such communities. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 23;35(2):175-195. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

2 Cleveland State University.

Male youth (8-18 years) with intellectual disability (ID) demonstrate motor proficiency below age-related competence capacities for typically developing youth. Whether below-criteria motor proficiency also exists for females with ID is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex-specific differences exist in motor proficiency for youth with ID. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jul 23;35(3):285-292. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

1 University of Alberta.

Dr. Arya M. Sharma challenges the conventional wisdom of relying simply on "lifestyle" approaches involving exercise, diet, and behavioral interventions for managing obesity, suggesting that people living with obesity should receive comprehensive medical interventions similar to the approach taken for other chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 23;35(2):214-232. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

2 University of Alabama.

The purpose of this study was to describe and examine the occupational socialization of nine adapted physical educators (APEs). The questions we attempted to answer were (a) What were the perspectives and practices of the APEs? and (b) What factors influenced these perspectives and practices? Data were collected through six qualitative techniques and analyzed by using analytic induction and constant comparison. At the time the study was conducted, the APEs possessed traditional or progressive teaching orientations. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 15;35(2):233-242. Epub 2018 Mar 15.

3 University of Virginia.

The purpose of this study was to address contact theory as the theoretical basis of the Paralympic School Day (PSD) disability awareness program using a newly created fidelity of implementation instrument (fidelity criteria) to measure a single construct (contact theory), seeking to control and explain the manner in which PSD satisfied the four components of contact theory. Participants were 145 sixth-grade students who took part in PSD. Results determined that the PSD intervention supported the four theoretical components of contact theory, with statistically significant differences in student responses across all four indicators (p < . Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 13;35(2):196-213. Epub 2018 Mar 13.

1 Old Dominion University.

The purpose of this study was to adopt an explicitly intersectional approach to examine the embodied perspectives of males with visual impairments about physical education. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six adults (18-33 years) who identified as males with visual impairments acted as participants. The primary sources of data were semistructured, audiotaped, telephone interviews and reflective field notes. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 9;35(2):145-158. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

4 University of Windsor.

Results of the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) consistently show acceptable validity and reliability for children/adolescents who are sighted and those who have visual impairments. Results of the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) are often valid and reliable for children who are sighted, but its psychometric properties are unknown for children with visual impairments. Participants (N = 66; M = 12. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Apr 9;35(2):159-174. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

5 Fujian Normal University.

Teachers' self-efficacy is a critical predictor for successful inclusive physical education. However, little is known about preservice physical educators' self-efficacy toward teaching students with autism spectrum disorders in China. A sound instrument is necessary to measure their self-efficacy level. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 01 5;35(1):139-140. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

1 University of Virginia.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 01 17;35(1):141-143. Epub 2018 Jan 17.

5 Humboldt State University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 17;35(1):111-138. Epub 2018 Jan 17.

1 University of Toronto.

The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate inclusive out-of-school time physical activity programs for children/youth with physical disabilities. A search of the published literature was conducted and augmented by international expertise. A quality appraisal was conducted; only studies with quality ratings ≥60% informed our best practice recommendations. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 9;35(1):57-75. Epub 2018 Jan 9.

2 University of Michigan.

Due to increased metabolic demands during walking, ∼50% of children with myelomeningocele transition to wheelchair use during adolescence/early adulthood. The purpose of our pilot study involving children with myelomeningocele was to determine: (a) energy expenditure needs during acute use of common assistive devices and (b) if walking poles are a feasible assistive device. Oxygen uptake was recorded for eight (5-12 years old) children in four conditions: independent, walker, crutches, and poles. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 5;35(1):76-92. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

7 Liverpool John Moores University.

We investigated the match demands (distances covered and acute physiological responses) of amputee soccer and its impact on muscular endurance and power. Measures such as heart rate, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion, and time-motion characteristics were recorded in 16 Brazilian amputee soccer players during matches. Before and after matches, players completed a battery of tests: push-ups, countermovement vertical jump performance, and medicine ball throwing. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 19;35(1):20-35. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

1 University of the Basque Country.

The aim was to analyze the changes of physical performance and physiological responses during a high-intensity training task in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Thirteen Spanish first division WB male players participated in this study. A test battery (change of direction ability, sprints, and sled towing) was performed to study neuromuscular responses before (pre) and after (post) the small-sided games (SSG). Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 19;35(1):36-56. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

1 University of Toronto.

This study was guided by self-determination theory to explore the sport experiences of youth with a physical disability and the role of peers within this context. Interviews were conducted with eight youths using a relational mapping technique and analyzed using a deductive thematic approach. Sport peers were broadly defined by the youth as individuals from a large age range and of all abilities. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jan 28;35(1):93-110. Epub 2017 Nov 28.

2 McGill University.

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the career development and learning pathways of Paralympic head coaches who previously competed as Paralympic athletes. Each coach participated in a semistructured interview. A thematic analysis of the data revealed three higher order themes, which were called becoming a coach, learning to coach, and lifelong learning and teaching. Read More