Article

This study explored barriers and facilitators of sports participation of
children with physical disabilities from the perspective of the children, their
parents and their health professionals. METHOD : Thirty children and 38 parents
completed a questionnaire, and 17 professionals were interviewed in a
semi-structured way. Data from the three groups were combined in a mixed-method
design, after which the results were triangulated. RESULTS : Mean age (SD) of the
children was 14.1 (2.9) years old, 58% were boys. Sixty-seven percent of the
children had cerebral palsy and 77% participated in sports after school. Most
commonly practiced sports were swimming, cycling and football. Children
specifically experienced dependency on others as a barrier, parents did not have
enough information about sports facilities, and professionals observed that the
family's attitude had influence on the child's sports participation. Facilitators
were health benefits, fun and social contacts. CONCLUSION : Sports participation
of children with physical disabilities is a complex phenomenon because children,
their parents and professionals reported different barriers. Sports participation
is more physically challenging for children with severe physical disabilities, as
their daily activities already require much energy. However, the psychosocial
benefits of sports are applicable to all children with physical disabilities.
IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION : Perceived barriers seemed to differ for children,
parents and health professionals, suggesting that sports participation is a
complex phenomenon. Sports might be more physically challenging for children with
severe physical disabilities, as their daily activities already take much energy.
The psychosocial benefits of sports should be emphasized by rehabilitation
professionals when advising children with physical disabilities about sports.

Langue : ANGLAIS