Reflections on providing sport science support for athletes with learning difficulties

Abstract

Purpose. To highlight the benefits and the need for sport science support for athletes with learning difficulties, and to reflect on our experience of working with the GB squad for athletes with learning difficulties.

Methods. A review of key and relevant literature is presented, followed by a discussion of the sport science support provision and the issues that emerged in working with athletes with learning difficulties. Pre- and post- physiological tests along with evaluations of athletes' potential to benefit from sport psychology support were conducted. The aim of these tests was to provide information for the athletes and the coaches on fitness levels, to use this information to plan future training, and to identify how well the performance could be enhanced.

Results. A case study is presented for one athlete, who had competed in distance events. The focus is the psychological support that was provided.

Conclusions. It is clear that athletes with learning difficulties require the same type of sports science support as their mainstream peers. However, sport scientists will need to consider ways to extend their practice in order to provide the appropriate level of support.

Keywords:

• Learning difficulties
• psychology
• sport science

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.