Participation in physical activity and the everyday life of people with physical disabilities: a review of the literature

Abstract

This article questions how personal experiences from participating in physical activity may impact participation in other contexts of everyday life for people with physical disabilities. Seven databases were searched to identify papers published between 1987 and 2009. Fourteen qualitative studies were included in the final sample. Six themes were identified: learning social rules; being disabled in an able-bodied society; perception of identity; being part of a community, empowerment, maintenance and independence; theoretical framework for discussion is critical psychology and social learning theory. Physical activity seems to exert some impact on disability management, and athletic identity seems to be more empowered than disability identity. Disabled athletes seem to feel part of a special valued community. It is not evident if these experienced benefits imply an extended participation in society in general. Participation in physical activity seems to imply a psychological empowerment in a sports context that might lead to an extended participation in other contexts of everyday life. Physical competence achieved through physical activity may serve to help persons to stay socially connected, establish an ability to participate in activities and stay independent. Further research is needed to elucidate the question of this study.

Keywords:

• physical activity
• physical disability
• everyday life
• participation
• critical psychology
• social learning theory

Acknowledgements

The Danish Disability Sport Information Centre and The University of Roskilde, Denmark, contributed to the accomplishment of this study.