Date Presented 04/22/2023
This study explored barriers and supports to participating in quad rugby after spinal cord injury. This poster will present findings from interviews with 12 quad rugby players across the United States, along with implications for clinical practice.
Primary Author and Speaker: Darkhishan Ali
Additional Authors and Speakers: John V. Rider
PURPOSE: A spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause temporary or permanent changes in sensory, motor, strength, and body functions below the level of injury. This can lead to functional impairments and decreased engagement in meaningful occupations. Research suggests that individuals with SCI do not participate in physical activity at the same rate as individuals without any impairment or disability (Jaarsma et al., 2014). This presents a significant concern as evidence suggests that a lack of physical activity among this population leads to increased secondary health complications, including cardiovascular, psychological, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal complications (Stephens et al., 2012). Adaptive sports present an opportunity for individuals with SCI to maintain appropriate levels of physical activity. Furthermore, evidence suggests community-based adaptive sports may increase motivation for rehabilitation (Rimmer, 2012). Participation in adaptive sports can help reduce secondary health complications and hospitalization and improve cardiorespiratory function and independence with daily activities (Stephens et al., 2012). However, evidence indicates that individuals with SCI are often not introduced to adaptive sports for many years after their injury (Malm et al., 2019). A recent study found an approximate 4-year transition from the time of injury to regular participation in sports and recreation for individuals with SCI (Malm et al., 2019). While there are several types of adaptive sports, limited research exists on quadriplegic athletes and the influence of rehabilitation on participation. Quad rugby is an adaptive form of rugby for individuals with quadriplegia, played indoors on a hardwood court with wheelchairs. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of quad rugby athletes, with attention to facilitators, barriers, and potential benefits to quad rugby participation after SCI.
DESIGN: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of quad rugby athletes. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling by distributing flyers to quad rugby teams across the United States (US).
METHOD: 12 participants from seven states across the US completed the semi-structured interview. All interviews were digitally recorded, anonymized, and professionally transcribed verbatim. Two researchers manually coded the interview transcripts. An inductive analysis approach was used to form codes, categories, and themes.
RESULTS: Multiple themes emerged: (1) the importance of early high-quality exposure to quad rugby; (2) the positive influence of peer mentoring during rehabilitation; (3) social and familial support increases participation in quad rugby; (4) limited access, high costs, and inequality of adaptive sports present significant barriers to participation; (5) advantages of participating in quad rugby include both physical and psychosocial benefits; and (6) motivational factors for continued involvement in quad rugby include the athlete identity, camaraderie, and advocacy for future adaptive athletes.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of early introduction to quad rugby after SCI and the significant biopsychosocial benefits of participation. Barriers identified in this study can be addressed by occupational therapists (OTs) through innovative approaches and advocacy efforts. OTs can use these findings to educate clients with SCI on quad rugby and better facilitate awareness and support participation earlier in the rehabilitation process.
IMPACT STATEMENT: OTs should provide early exposure to adaptive sports, such as quad rugby, in each stage of rehabilitation and use individualized strategies to support participation for clients after SCI.
References
Jaarsma, E. A., Dijkstra, P. U., Geertzen, J. H., & Dekker, R. (2014). Barriers to and facilitators of sports participation for people with physical disabilities: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 24(6), 871–881. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12218
Malm, C., Jakobsson, J., & Isaksson, A. (2019). Physical activity and sports-real health benefits: A review with insight into the public health of Sweden. Sports, 7(5), 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7050127
Rimmer J. H. (2012). Getting beyond the plateau: Bridging the gap between rehabilitation and community-based exercise. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 4(11), 857–861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.08.008
Stephens, C., Neil, R., & Smith, P. (2012). The perceived benefits and barriers of sport in spinal cord injured individuals: A qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34(24), 2061–2070. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2012.669020
