Wheelchair Physical Activities and Sports for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Increased understanding of the outcomes associated with physical activity and sports has the potential to guide rehabilitation interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities. Aim: To describe research related to group physical activity and sport participation of children and adolescent wheelchair users. Methods: The five-step framework described by Arksey and O’Malley was used to guide the review. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and SCOPUS) were searched for relevant literature and selected articles were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Basic article information, study objectives, participant information, methods, outcome measures (quantitative), and themes (qualitative) were extracted from the selected articles. Outcome measures were coded using the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the review. The quantitative research articles evaluated outcomes related to test/training parameters (n = 2), evaluation of tools/models (n = 6), and biomechanical/physiological/participation profiles of athletes/equipment (n = 5). Four qualitative studies explored perceptions and experiences with participation, social supports, and identity development. No articles focused on power wheelchair sport. Conclusion: Additional research on evaluating outcomes associated with group physical activity and sport participation is needed to inform clinical practice and guide future research.

Keywords:

• Disability
• physical activity
• wheelchair
• sport
• participation

Acknowledgments

Dr. Pritchard-Wiart is supported by the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Training Program, the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute through the generous support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Alberta PolicyWise for Children and Families.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elaine Bragg

Elaine Bragg is a physical therapist and Rehabilitation Science graduate student in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Elaine's clinical experience encompasses pediatric rehabilitation in tertiary care, school-based outreach services and home settings. Lesley Pritchard-Wiart is a physical therapist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Lesley has clinical experience in a variety of settings including schools, child care and preschool programs and hospital-based rehabilitation services.

Lesley Pritchard-Wiart

Elaine Bragg is a physical therapist and Rehabilitation Science graduate student in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Elaine's clinical experience encompasses pediatric rehabilitation in tertiary care, school-based outreach services and home settings. Lesley Pritchard-Wiart is a physical therapist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Lesley has clinical experience in a variety of settings including schools, child care and preschool programs and hospital-based rehabilitation services.