Article

This study explores what individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)
perceive to be the benefits of becoming involved in organized sport and
identifies the barriers to participation. Method: Seven SCI athletes from a
variety of sports were interviewed in a semi-structured format. RESULTS: 20
benefits and 18 individual barriers were identified and categorized into
sub-themes: benefits were categorized into sub-themes of "socialization,"
"self-worth," "physical challenge" and "emotional." Barriers were grouped into
"organization," "medical," "emotional," "a lack of available information" and
"views held by others." CONCLUSION: A variety of benefits from participating in
sport were identified, including socialization, the acquisition of knowledge from
others, the development of greater awareness of health and well-being issues,
weight maintenance, functional development and independence. Barriers identified
included financial constraints, the lack of information regarding medical
complications and sporting opportunities, and the need for able-bodied support.
The findings have implications for the rehabilitation of individuals with SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS