Community organization factors affecting veteran participation in adaptive sports

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1803657 · Published: July 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

Adaptive sports are modified versions of conventional sports that allow people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities to participate. These activities offer physical and psychosocial benefits. The study focuses on US military veterans with disabilities. It aims to understand their participation in adaptive sports programs and the characteristics of the organizations providing these programs. The research highlights the importance of adaptive sports for veterans, given the benefits associated with participation. The study seeks to identify ways to increase involvement in these programs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

85 adaptive sports programs

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
US Military veterans represent a large proportion of the individuals participating in adaptive sports.
2
The majority of programs had some degree of affiliation with a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
3
Golf was the sport offered most commonly by adaptive sports programs in this survey.

Research Summary

The study investigates the participation of US military veterans in adaptive sports and the organizational characteristics of existing adaptive sports programs. Key findings include that veterans represent a large proportion of participants, most programs are affiliated with a VAMC, and golf is the most commonly offered sport. The research suggests the importance of promoting, developing, and funding programs to increase veteran participation in adaptive sports.

Practical Implications

Program Development

Organizations should consider the high proportion of veteran participants when designing and marketing adaptive sports programs.

VAMC Affiliations

Maintaining and strengthening affiliations with VAMCs can help ensure that veterans have access to adaptive sports opportunities.

Sport Offerings

Adaptive sports programs may attract more participants by offering a variety of sports, especially low-contact sports like golf, hand cycling, and yoga.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limited to organizations advertised or known to the authors.
2
Non-validated study instrument for organization identification.
3
Lack of additional age subgroups within the 35 and older category.

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