https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3162-0099
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Abstract
Aim
Adapted paddleboard provides an outdoor leisure-time physical activities (LTPA) opportunity with many health benefits (e.g., physical activity, reduced stress, social engagement). However, nearly 50% of individuals with disabilities do not participate in any LTPA. Quality of LTPA participation influences sustainable adherence, while optimizing participant experiences. An adapted paddleboard program is offered in Quebec City, for adults with physical disabilities, but little is known about how participants perceive their quality of participation. This study aimed to describe individuals with disabilities’ perceived quality of participation in the adapted paddleboard program, and to explore their suggestions of strategies to support meaningful engagement in the program.
Methods
An ethnographic mixed-methods design was conducted, consisting of participant observations during the 13-week program and semi-structured interviews based on the Quality Parasport Participation Framework (QPPF). Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation (MeEAP) questionnaire were collected. A mixed approach of data analysis was used for qualitative data and descriptive statistics were conducted for quantitative data.
Results
Nine participants (8F) with various disabilities (42±15 years old) participated in the study. Emergent dimensions of quality of participation included belongingness and autonomy. Facilitators to participation were identified, such as autonomy support through volunteers and provision of adaptive equipment. Barriers to participation included water access and level of individual challenge. Suggested strategies to improve engagement included water access closer to parking and multiple groups for variable skill levels.
Conclusions
Participants expressed high-quality of participation in adapted paddleboarding. The study allows the development of knowledge about conditions that enhance the experience of participating in outdoor LTPA.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Adapted paddleboard is an increasingly popular activity that can be adapted with material and environmental accommodations for people with disabilities to enable and enhance participation in outdoor leisure-time physical activities (LTPA).
Several facilitators, such as the safety of the site or the social support created by the group, enhance quality of experience in leisure-time physical activities (LTPA) including adapted paddleboard; therefore, support sustainable adherence in the practice of physical activities, well-being and social participation.
Further opportunities to practice LTPA such as adapted paddleboard in a public space to promote social inclusion are necessary.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Geneviève Hallé for her contribution and expertise to running the weekly program.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Jade Berthiaume
Jade Berthiaume was a professional master’s student in Occupational Therapy at Université Laval. Her summer internship research project focused on understanding the quality of participation in adapted paddleboard.
Béatrice Ouellet
Béatrice Ouellet is an occupational therapists and doctoral candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences at Université Laval. Her project focuses on wheeled mobility training for children who use wheelchairs and participatory action research. She is also interested in exploring quality of participation in adapted physical activity.
Mariève Labbé
Mariève Labbé was a professional master’s student in Occupational Therapy at Université Laval.
Margaux Hebinck
Margaux Hebinck is a doctoral candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences at Université Laval. She is interested in physical literacy and physical competencies for supporting social participation, including participation in adapted activities.
Maxime Robert
Maxime Robert is an Associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Université Laval and a researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration. His research is related to motor learning and control in children with cerebral palsy, and identifying neurological biomarkers that predict motor function in children’s upper limbs. He is also interested in applied aspects of research with clinical and community partners.
Mireille Descarreaux
Mireille Descarreaux is an occupational therapist at the CIUSSS-CN who is passionate about ensuring participation and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Pascale Martineau
Pascale Martineau is a Kinesiologist and and co-founder of Paddleboard SUP Adapté Quebec and Adaptive Surfing Committee Surf Canada.
Krista L. Best
Krista L. Best is an Associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Université Laval and a researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration. Her research focuses on mobility and adapted physical activity to improve social participation and general health for people with disabilities. She uses various methods and measurement tools to evaluate different technologies (e.g., wheelchairs, adapted equipment) and different approaches to clinical and community interventions.