To review literature regarding sport participation in adults with physical or intellectual disability. Specifically, to examine characteristics of available studies including participants, interventions, outcomes and impact.
A scoping review with a registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42018104379) was undertaken. Potential studies were identified by searches of six databases (Medline, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, PEDro) and a trial registry (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) plus citation tracking. Two independent reviewers screened references for eligibility and extracted data about the studies, participants, interventions, and outcomes. A single reviewer extracted data to quantify impacts of sport participation, classified as favourable, insignificant, or unfavourable.
164 studies involving 11,642 participants were included. Most studies (78%) used a cross-sectional design. Most participants were men (81%) with physical disability (82%), and spinal cord injury was the most prevalent underlying health condition (54%). Most studies evaluated a mix of sports (51%) in a disability-specific context (97%), with basketball or wheelchair basketball being the most common individual sport (17%). A total of 334 results were extracted from the included studies. Physical impairment was the most frequently reported outcome domain (25%). Sport participation produced mostly favourable results compared to no sport participation (90/157 results; 57%) and there was commonly a positive association between sport participation and outcomes (24/58 results; 41%). It was not clear from the 69/119 results (58%) that favoured one subgroup for sport participation if any specific sport had better outcomes. Sports participation impact was classified as insignificant for 42% of outcomes. Only a small proportion (3%) of results were categorised as unfavourable.
There were many favourable and few unfavourable outcomes for participation in sport for adults with physical or intellectual disability. More research is needed to address the evidence gaps of gender, health condition, and type of sport and to use more rigorous research designs to evaluate the effects of sport participation.
While new evidence is generated, we recommend adults with physical or intellectual disability who are interested in sport be encouraged to engage in a sporting activity that interests them. Physiotherapists can play a vital role in identifying appropriate sport opportunities, supporting clients to participate in these opportunities, and working with coaches and sport providers to offer safe, inclusive and effective sport programs for adults with disability.
Physical Activity
Sport
