Pathways to participation in gymnastics for children with disability

Abstract

Purpose

To understand the pathways of children with disability participating in gymnastics in Victoria, Australia.

Materials and methods

A sequential explanatory mixed-method study design was used. Participants completed an online survey, with selected participants purposively invited to undertake semi-structured interviews via videoconference. Quantitative survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics with preliminary findings informing the invitation of interview participants and refinement of interview questions. Qualitative survey and interview data were analysed together using thematic analysis to create themes. Data was combined to create a conceptual model.

Results

Fifty-eight parents consented to participate in the study with eight interviews conducted. Key themes were: (1) Tailored, accessible, supportive environments and programs make a difference, (2) An explicitly inclusive club culture helps young people get and stay involved, (3) Coach knowledge about engaging children with disability is valued, (4) Enjoyment, recognition, and achievement facilitate ongoing participation, and (5) Gymnastics has physical and social benefits for children with disability. The findings inform a conceptual model that describes three key stages along a pathway to participation including; choosing gymnastics as a sport, selecting a club, and ongoing participation.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore participation of children with disability in gymnastics in Australia. These findings provide guidance to those supporting children with disability to participate in gymnastics (e.g., policy makers, club owners, coaches, and allied health professionals) regarding creating more inclusive environments and experiences at each stage of participation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• This study furthers our understanding of the impact of childhood disability on participation in sport and recreation, with a focus on gymnastics.

• A combination of accessible environments, inclusive club cultures, recognition and enjoyment, and knowledgeable coaches facilitated participation in gymnastics.

• Parents perceive gymnastics to have physical and social benefits for their child.

• A conceptual model has been developed based on the findings to support gymnastics clubs and assist rehabilitation professionals to understand the challenges and enablers to participating in gymnastics.

Keywords:

• Participation
• disability
• inclusion
• gymnastics
• accessibility
• sport
• recreation

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Gymnastics Victoria and Disability Sport and Recreation for their contribution to this project both in funding and assistance with the project, respectively. We also acknowledge the input of the two parent advisors at various stages of the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Where consent has been provided by individual participants, the data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, [RT]. The data are not publicly available due to ethical and privacy restrictions.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Gymnastics Victoria, the state sporting association for Gymnastics with funds received from the Victorian Government Sport and Recreation Victoria Access All Abilities scheme. Gymnastics Victoria was not involved in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of the data, nor was the Victorian Government.