Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 Mar 6:1-12. Epub 2020 Mar 6.

The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH).

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of a new evidence-based classification system for Para Va'a. Twelve Para Va'a athletes were classified by three classifier teams each consisting of a medical and a technical classifier. Interrater reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation for the overall class allocation and total scores of trunk, leg, and on-water test batteries and by calculating Fleiss's kappa and percentage of total agreement in the individual tests of each test battery. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 04 3;37(2):211-234. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

University of Alabama at Birmingham.

This scoping review synthesized reviews of physical activity (PA) interventions for children and youth with disabilities to highlight promising elements of effective interventions, research methodological limitations, and research priorities. Twenty studies were eligible and underwent three rounds of review by an expert panel. Rich and diverse PA programs derived potential short-term benefits toward health, function, and PA. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 04 3;37(2):193-210. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

University of Alberta.

Adapted physical activity (APA) practitioners are encouraged to be reflexive practitioners, yet little is known about the moral dilemmas faced as they instruct inclusive physical activity or fitness programs. Professional landscape tensions may arise when diverse organizational demands, policies, traditions, and values merge. The study purpose was to explore how APA professionals experience and resolve moral discomfort in professional practice. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 04 27;37(2):177-192. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

State University of New York, College at Brockport.

Children with visual impairments often exhibit difficulties with locomotor skills (e.g., the ability to move one's body from one place to another), warranting the need for ecologically valid interventions with conditions that attempt to match the real world in a variety of settings. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 04 27;37(2):160-176. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Michigan State University.

This longitudinal study investigated monthly motor development and physical activity (PA) of infants with and without Down syndrome. Gross and fine motor skills (Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III) and PA (accelerometer) were assessed in 35 infants at eight time points during infancy. A multivariate mixed model identified time points when motor scores diverged between the groups. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 26;37(1):72-89. Epub 2019 Dec 26.

Université Laval.

The purpose of this study was to understand the learning experiences and acquisition of knowledge of youth parasport coaches. Five able-bodied male participants (M = 39 years old), who coached youth with a physical disability for an average of 7.4 years, participated in individual interviews. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Dec 22:1-2. Epub 2019 Dec 22.

Otterbein University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 22;37(1):90-111. Epub 2019 Dec 22.

Old Dominion University.

Although much has been learned about the workplace experiences of physical education teachers, less is known about the unique experiences of adapted physical educators (APEs). Grounded in role socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to understand the relationships among perceived organizational support, resilience, perceived mattering, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction in APEs. The participants included 237 APEs from the United States, who completed an online survey. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 04 19;37(2):141-149. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of individuals with visual impairment toward inclusion and the inclusiveness of their integrated physical education experiences. A retrospective, qualitative-description research approach was used, and 10 adults (age 20-35 years) with visual impairments acted as the participants. The data sources included one-on-one telephone interviews and reflective interview notes. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 19;37(1):129-138. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

York University.

Initiatives have been designed to attract novice athletes and to enable transfer for experienced athletes. However, the authors have very little knowledge of the effectiveness of these programs. To further improve our understanding, this study explored the demographic and sporting careers of 225 participants attending one of the 10 Paralympian Search events held between 2016 and 2018. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 19;37(1):112-128. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

University of Alberta.

This Foucauldian discourse analysis engages DePauw's theory of disability and visibility to examine the construction of para-athletes within the websites of Canada's "fully integrated" athletics sport system. The authors found that para-athletes remain largely unimaginable within most athletics websites. When present, para-athletes are often only imagined as marginal participants, or marginalized through medical and charitable discourses. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 14;37(1):56-71. Epub 2019 Dec 14.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

This pilot study investigated the relationship between personal and wheelchair factors on skin pressures at the ischial tuberosity in wheelchair basketball players. Seventeen wheelchair basketball players (7 male and 10 female) were evaluated during static and dynamic propulsive conditions while peak pressure index and peak pressure gradient were recorded with an interface pressure mat. The results showed that greater seat dump angles and backrest heights were negatively associated with the peak pressure index. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 14;37(1):41-55. Epub 2019 Dec 14.

University of Szczecin.

The authors investigated the dynamics of saccadic parameters during a stationary oculomotor target task in amputee soccer players (n = 16), able-bodied soccer players (n = 16), and nonathletic control subjects (n = 16). Eye movements during the visual-search tasks were recorded binocularly using a mobile eye-tracking system, and the gaze parameters were analyzed (fixation duration, saccade duration, saccade amplitude, saccade average acceleration, saccade peak deceleration, saccade average velocity, and ocular mobility index). The average saccade acceleration in the amputee soccer players was significantly lower than in the able-bodied players (p = . Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 21;37(1):20-40. Epub 2019 Nov 21.

West Virginia University.

The purpose of this study was to determine expert consensus regarding the essential characteristics of adapted physical education practicum experiences for preservice physical educators. Researchers used a 3-round Delphi procedure involving the repeated circulation of an online questionnaire to a panel of content experts (N = 24). During Round 1, panelists generated 70 items in response to an open-ended prompt. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 13;36(4):501-526. Epub 2019 Sep 13.

Oregon State University.

Despite the rising interest in intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder, the extent to which interventions are effective on gross motor outcomes is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different intervention approaches on gross motor outcomes among children with autism spectrum disorder using meta-analysis. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 13;36(4):447-471. Epub 2019 Sep 13.

University of Delaware.

Adults with intellectual disability have significantly lower musculoskeletal fitness than their peers without a disability. Appropriate instructional strategies are needed to facilitate their acquisition and maintenance of musculoskeletal fitness. In this multiple-baseline across-participants single-subject study, the authors evaluated the effects of a multicomponent package that included a video-enhanced system of least-to-most prompts on the acquisition of 5 muscle-strengthening exercises in 3 women with mild intellectual disability, age 24-37 yr. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 10;36(4):492-500. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Old Dominion University.

The purpose of this study was to examine reactivity to accelerometer measurement in children with visual impairments (VI), their sighted siblings, and their parents. A sample of 66 participants (including 22 children with VI, 22 siblings, and 22 parents) completed a demographic survey and wore triaxial accelerometers for at least 4 consecutive days for 8 hr. An analysis of covariances with repeated measures was conducted, controlling for participant gender. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2020 01 10;37(1):1-19. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

University of Alberta.

The purpose of this study was to examine the classification experiences (perspectives and reflections) of paraswimmers. Classification provides a structure for parasport, with the goal of reducing the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition. Guided by interpretive description, nine paraswimmers ranging in swimming experience and sport class were interviewed. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 10;36(4):431-446. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

SVYASA.

Physical activities provide fundamental benefits to children's health and well-being. They are vital for development and healthy life, but participation of children with visual impairment is limited. Herein, the authors report results of a 16-wk yoga program, evaluating its effects on physical fitness in children with visual impairment. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 5;36(4):472-491. Epub 2019 Sep 5.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Occupational socialization theory has been used to understand the recruitment, education, and socialization of physical education teachers for nearly 40 yr. It has, however, only recently been applied to the study of adapted physical education teachers. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to understand the socialization of preservice teachers in an adapted physical education teacher education graduate-level program. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Sep 5:1-2. Epub 2019 Sep 5.

University of British Columbia.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 10 19;36(4):413-430. Epub 2019 Jul 19.

Texas Woman's University.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in balance, postural sway, and quality of life after 6 wk of simulated horseback riding in adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Eight older adults completed two 60-min riding sessions weekly for 6 wk. Variables of balance, postural sway, and quality of life were measured 6 wks before and within 1 wk before and after the intervention. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jul;36(3):408-409

Humboldt State University.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Jul;35(3):320-323

University of Toronto.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2018 Oct;35(4):498-500

California State University, Long Beach.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun 27;36(3):406-407. Epub 2019 Jun 27.

University of Aberdeen.

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):378-387

Fort Lewis College.

Participation in physical activity has been shown to improve components of psychological well-being (i.e., affect). Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):339-358

Queen's University.

Identifying as a regular exerciser has been found to effectively alter stereotypes related to warmth and competence for adults with a physical disability; however, it remains unclear how sport participation can influence this trend. Therefore, this study aimed to examine warmth and competence perceptions of adults with a physical disability portrayed as elite and nonelite athletes relative to other athletic and nonathletic subgroups of adults with and without a physical disability in the context of the stereotype content model. Using survey data from able-bodied participants (N = 302), cluster analyses were applied to a behaviors from intergroup affect and stereotypes map for displaying the intersection of warmth and competence perceptions. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):359-377

University of New Hampshire.

The aim of this case study was to describe the distinct approaches used by physical education (PE) teachers to accommodate students with disabilities in New York elementary school PE classes. The participants included 1 adapted PE specialist, 5 PE teachers, and 5 elementary school students with various impairments. Through thematic analysis, observations and interviews revealed 3 main approaches: (a) normalized instruction-traditional curriculum with no differentiation in the program; (b) differentiated instruction-adaptations tailored specifically to the needs of each student with disability; and (c) universally designed instruction based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility to all students. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):399-405

University of Delaware.

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree to which children and adolescents with and without visual impairments (VIs) met national physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines. This observational, cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health focused on children (age 6-12 yr) and adolescents (age 13-17 yr) with and without VIs. The sample included 241 (weighted n = 472,127) and 17,610 (weighted n = 28,249,833) children, and 255 (weighted n = 505,401) and 17,417 (weighted n = 20,071,557) adolescents with and without VIs, respectively. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):388-398

Federal University of Santa Catarina.

In judo competition for visual impairment, athletes of different classes compete against each other in the same category; B1 athletes are totally blind, whereas B2 and B3 athletes are partially sighted. To test for potential competition disparities due a single category of athletes, this study aimed to compare competitive and technical-tactical performance in visually impaired judo athletes with different degrees of visual impairment. The authors analyzed 340 judo matches from the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):309-324

Griffith University.

The purpose of this study was to predict Paralympian swimmers' happiness as a result of winning 2016 Paralympic medals. Understanding potential antecedents of athletes' happiness has theoretical and practical value. Medal winners (N = 138) had their facial expressions rated for happiness at the race finish. Read More

Adapt Phys Activ Q 2019 Jun;36(3):325-338

Sheffield Hallam University.

The aim of this study was to examine strategies to absorb impact shock during RaceRunning in participants with neurological motor disorders. For this purpose, 8 RaceRunning athletes (4 male and 4 female) voluntarily took part in the study. Each participant performed a series of 100-m sprints with a RaceRunning bike. Read More

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