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Participant Insights On Fitness Program Implementation In An Underserved Community, Whitney N. Neal, Laurie A. Malone Phd

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Participation in physical activity for individuals with disabilities is often hindered by barriers across multiple levels of the socio-ecological model. To promote socioemotional and physical health in underserved communities, a two-part 6-week group fitness intervention was delivered to members of a local senior center: 1) group online fitness (LOF) and 2) active virtual reality gaming (VR). This study examined participant perspectives regarding implementation, specifically facilitators, barriers, and lessons learned.

Method

Participants included adults with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions from an underserved community. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight of the 10 program participants. Interview questions were informed …

The Effective Use Of A Pre-Teaching Checklist For Physical Education For Children With Blindness, Low Vision, Or Deafblindness, Lauren J. Lieberman, Pamela Beach, Melanie Perreault, Ciara Murohy

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Students with visual impairments (VI) are often left out of physical education classes because they are not provided with appropriate accommodations and instructional strategies by the teacher. Pre-teaching is a recommended method of instruction wherein students with visual impairments are exposed to a lesson prior to whole class instruction. Pre-teaching can cover the court dimensions, equipment options, rules, scoring, terminology, modification options, and tactile instruction options. Teachers can use tactile boards to help with complete understanding of the court, field, or activity layout. However, only one research study has been conducted on the use of pre-teaching within the context of …

The Effect Of Participation In The Adapted Baseball Program On Visual Perception And Attention Of Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities, Seungeun Choi Ms., Hyundo Jun Mr., Yongho Lee Dr.

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Human movement involves synthesizing responses to environmental stimuli through sensory systems, with about 80% relying on visual information. Students with developmental disabilities often face learning failures due to delays in visual perception development, negatively impacting self-concept and overall growth. Reduced attention is cited as a key factor in these delays. This study aims to examine the effects of participation in an Adapted Baseball Program on visual perception and attention in Korean adolescents with developmental disabilities.

26 adolescents with developmental disabilities were recruited for the study and assigned to experimental group(n=13) and control group(n=13). Adapted Baseball Program was provided to experimental …

The Physical Fitness Of Youth With Special Educational Needs In Hungary Based On Netfit® Measurement In School Year 2023/2024, Katalin Tóthné Dr. Kälbli, Tamás Dr. Csányi, Alexandra Cselkó, Mónika Dr. Kaj

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Background

NETFIT^® a health-related, criterion-referenced physical fitness test battery is the compulsory PF assessment in grades 5-12 in Hungary. In 2016-2017 the Hungarian School Sport Federation adapted the battery to children with special educational needs (SEN). Since then, the physical fitness of youth with SEN has been assessed annually at national level.

Purpose

The aim of our presentation is to introduce the physical fitness of students with SEN based on NETFIT^® results of the school year 2023/2024 and to compare it with typically developing children (TDC).

Methods

In the school year 2023/2024, 4620 students (2980 boys and 1640 …

Together Rapid: Inclusive Football For People With Disabilities, Gabriel Mayr, Matias Costa, Margit Straka, Jürgen Kerber

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

The SK Rapid Special Needs Team (SNT) is an inclusive football program in partnership with the Sports Federation for the Disabled of Vienna (WBSV), designed to provide accessible and empowering sports opportunities for people with disabilities. The initiative currently engages 94 participants , with an average age of 21.5, including individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, visual or mental disabilities, and learning difficulties. The primary goals are to enhance physical health, social integration, and well-being through football, fostering a sense of belonging to the Community and empowerment.

The initiative includes training sessions, coaches clinics and an international festival promoting cultural …

Using Administrative Health Data To Explore Diabetes Rates In Special Olympics Participants In Ontario, Canada, Meghann Lloyd, Robert Balogh

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

No abstract provided.

The Journal Of Texas History

Journal of Texas History

Published by: The Alliance for Texas History in cooperation with the University of Texas at Arlington Vol. 1, No. 1 June 2025

Camp Abilities: An Educational Sports Camp For Children With Low Vision And Blindness: Perspectives Of Directors From Around The World, Lauren J. Lieberman, Ingi Por Einarsson, Valerie Caron, Ursula Barrett, Jane Blaine, Molly Armstrong

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Camp Abilities is an educational sports camp for children and youth with low vision and blindness. The first Camp Abilities was held in Brockport, NY in 1996, for one week overnight. Since 1996 the sports camp movement has expanded all over the world with over 28 Camp Abilities word-wide as well as many other similar programs. These camps vary in length, geography, and sports offered. What is consistent is the mission 1. To empower children and youth with low vision, blindness or deafblindness to be involved in sports, 2. To train future teachers to teach physical activity and sports, 3. …

Amplifying The Voices Of Students With Disabilities In Integrated Physical Education, Cathy Mckay, Maria Damewood

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective experiences of students with disabilities and amplify their voices related to feelings of inclusion and belonging in integrated physical education (PE).

Methodology

Six students (5 male and 1 female), 13-17 years of age, with an IEP and receiving PE in an integrated setting were recruited from a local middle school. Students who were recruited were asked to draw “normal” and “ideal” days of PE. Next, students were interviewed to further understand and inquire about the drawings’ contents and feelings towards PE. Interviews were then transcribed. Interview transcriptions were coded …

Accessibility On Trails And The Experience Of Nature From The Perspective Of People With Physical Disabilities, Mey Van Munster, Gustavo Almeida Silva

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Several barriers hinder access by people with physical disabilities (PWPD) to sports and leisure in natural environments, limiting their opportunities for interaction with nature (Munster, 2004). The research aimed to analyse the motivations, meanings and impressions resulting from incursions and experiences in natural scenarios, from the perspective of PWPD.

Methodology Under a qualitative approach, the sample of this study case consisted of four PWPD of all genders, and over 18 years of age. The intervention involved a visit to a waterfall located in the municipality of Brotas/SP - Brazil. The data collection procedures followed the steps: 1) Recognition of …

Analysis Of Brain Activity During Game-Based Aerobic Exercise In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Kiara S. Todd, Edith Arrieta, Fatima Elias, Diana Vela, Taeyou Jung Phd

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Aerobic exercise is important for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to prevent secondary health conditions and maintain or improve their health and functions in activities of daily living. Its benefits are well documented for cognitive functions, however limited research has been conducted in this population. The purpose of this study was to analyse brain activity during game-based aerobic exercise in individuals with SCI.

Methodology Thirteen adults with paraplegic SCI (ASIA Scale C-D) participated in this cross-sectional study that consisted of game-based and conventional modes of aerobic exercise, using a customized wheelchair treadmill (Wheely-X, Kangsters Inc., Seoul, Korea, 2024). …

Accessing Physical Activity: Perspectives Of Blind And Visually Impaired Emerging Adults, T N "Nicole" Kirk

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Emerging adulthood (i.e., age 18-29) is an essential life phase for long-term development of health-related behaviors, including physical activity. However, little is known about the role of physical activity among blind and visually impaired emerging adults. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives and lived experiences of blind and visually impaired emerging adults within the context of physical activity.

Methodology Using an interpretive description approach, six blind and visually impaired adults (4 women, two men) aged 18-28 participated in semi-structured, individual interviews. Data analysis entailed a six-step thematic approach which, yielded three themes.

Results The …

Analysis Of Energy Expenditure During Game-Based Aerobic Exercise Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Jordan J. Arteaga, Remy J. Ortega, Elvin O. Garcia, Jesus D. Aguilar, Taeyou Jung Phd, Ethan Palache

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrate decreased total daily energy expenditure and cardiovascular fitness which is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Integrating games into physical activity can make exercise enjoyable. Limited research investigated game applications in aerobic exercise for people with SCI. The purpose of our study was to analyze energy expenditure during game-based aerobic exercise in people with SCI.

Methodology

Thirteen individuals with SCI (ASIA C-D) participated in a cross-sectional study comparing two modes of aerobic exercise; game-based and conventional wheelchair treadmill training. A portable metabolic analyser and heat rate monitor were used to …

Attitudes Of Saudi Students Toward The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In Physical Education Classes, Zuhair Abdaladeem Al Salim

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

The purpose of this study was to examine typical students’ attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in physical education (PE) classes. The participants were between 10 – 16 years of age, and their grade level was from fifth grade to ninth grade in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The participants were 614 typical students in elementary and middle schools. Participants responded to Children’s Attitudes Toward Integrated Physical Education-Revised (CAIPE-R). The findings of this study indicated that female students had more positive attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE classes than male students, as well …

Beliefs And Experiences Of Latina Mothers Of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Toward Dance As Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study, Nicole M. Montanez-Alicea, Luis Columna Phd

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Regular physical activity, including dance, is known to improve overall health and well-being, particularly for caregivers of individuals with disabilities (Champagne, 2024; Piercy et al., 2018). However, mothers of individuals with developmental disabilities often face challenges incorporating structured dance into their routines. This study aimed to explore Latina mothers' beliefs and experiences with dance, barriers and facilitators to dance participation, and their preferences for dance to help develop culturally tailored interventions.

Methodology

Situated within the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), this descriptive-qualitative study recruited Latina mothers (N = 12) of individuals with Developmental Disabilities through disability advocacy groups. …

Analysis Of Brain Activity During Walking On Soft Uneven Surface Among Individuals Post-Stroke, Jongmin Lee, Kiara Todd, Mai Narasaki-Jara, Youngok Jung, Brenda Meza, Taeyou Jung

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction People post-stroke often experience difficulty in walking, which is compounded when navigating challenging surfaces, such as sandy beach or grassy fields. However, limited research has studied how the brain reacts when they walk and navigate such surfaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate brain activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during walking on soft uneven surface among individuals post-stroke.

Methodology Nine individuals post-stroke and ten age-matched controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed two trials of 20-second walking on two surfaces: a firm, even surface (laminated hallway floor) and a soft, uneven surface (memory-form mattress with …

Camp Abilities Brazil: Accessibility And Inclusion Of People With Visual Impairment, Maria Luiza Tanure Alves, Mey Van Munster, Joslei Viana Souza, José Júlio Gavião De Almeida

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Disseminated worldwide, Camp Abilities consists of an educational sports camp developed to people with visual impairment (PVI), based on individualized support. This experience report aimed to discuss the repercussions of the fourth edition of Camp Abilities-Brazil, held in October 2024 at the Santa Cruz State University, in Ilheus-Bahia.

Methodology In addition to 12 experts on staff and 40 Physical Education undergraduate students, the event brought together 35 participants with blindness (n=26) and low vision (n=9), 22 males and 13 females, aged between 19 and 60 years old, from 13 cities in the interior of the state of Bahia. The …

Evaluating The Level Of Assistance Needed For Daily Activities In Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Huan Richard Xu

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Objective

Evaluating daily assistance needs in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is essential to deliver individualized, adaptive care that promotes independence, supports caregivers, and enhances overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the degree of assistance required to perform typical daily activities in pediatric patients with SMA.

Methods

The data used in this study were obtained via a web-based cross-sectional survey. Parents of pediatric patients with SMA completed the proxy-reported SMAIS. Information about socioeconomic and health status was also obtained. Chi-squared test, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis was used to do the data analysis.

Results

A total of 842 …

Exploring Leisure Activity Interest, Participation, And Satisfaction In Visually Impaired Adults, Kathryn E. Creveling, Justin Haegele, Xihe Zhu

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Physical activity levels are low among Visually Impaired (VI) adults (Ackley et al., 2009; Haegele & Zhu,2022). Identifying the factors that influence PA engagement is essential to improving overall health and quality of life outcomes for this population. While several works examine barriers to PA participation for VI individuals, fewer works explore leisure interests and satisfaction, both factors which influence recurring participation and overall quality of life (Dattilo, 2015; Kim et al.2020). This cross-sectional study seeks to explore the relationships between leisure activity interests, participation, and satisfaction among VI adults in the U.S.

Methodology

VI adults were recruited to …

Exercise Intervention And Attention Improvement In A Child With Adhd: A Case Study, Zicheng Wang, Xinyue Mao, Meiyuan Chen, Xiaozan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, significantly affecting children’s development. Exercise intervention has gained attention as a non-pharmacological approach. This study explores the effects of exercise on improving attention in children with ADHD, aiming to promote their development and social inclusion, aligned with the ISAPA 2025 symposium theme “‘Inclusivizing’ our world.”

Methodology A single-case experimental design was used, divided into pre-intervention (B1) and post-intervention (B2) phases. The participant, an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD, underwent 11 weeks of intervention, with three 60-minute sessions per week. The program was designed based …

Inclusive Surfing Programme, Maeve Johnston, Nuria Smyth

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: The West Coast Surf Club, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland launched an inclusive surfing programme for Autistic children in 2022. Surfing and access to the ocean aligns with ISAPA’s theme of “Creating Opportunities to Thrive”; Health and Well-being.

Methodology:18 autistic children aged 10-19 years from a local support group “Ennis Voices for Autism” attended a 12 week surfing programme through the West Coast Surf Club. Participants included ambulant children who could swim, liked the sea and could follow instructions. Volunteers including certified surf instructors, disability support workers and chartered paediatric physiotherapists supported the children on a 1:1 basis. …

Inclusive Experiences Through Alpine Skiing? Perspectives Towards Inclusion By People With Visual Impairments, Felix Oldörp, Martin Giese

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction The United Nations considers sports in its 2030 Agenda as an effective tool for the social inclusion of people with disabilities (United Nations, 2015). Despite its importance in the social and sporting context, the concept of inclusion often remains vague and frequently focuses one-sidedly on a “placement approach” (Haegele & Wilson, 2022, p. 25). A space labelled as inclusive does not determine whether it is really experienced as inclusive. Because inclusion is individual (Hiemstra & Rama, 2024). In a study by Oldörp et al. (2024), blind tennis players describe their sport as inclusive, depending on their own understanding of …

Optimized Analysis Of Parental Behavioral Styles And Student Health Outcomes: Significant Correlation Findings, Rui Wu, Fu Sheng Liang, Xiao Zan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Parental behavioral styles play a key role in shaping student health behaviors. This study explored the relationship between doting and inconsistent parental behavioral styles and student health outcomes, aiming to clarify how these behaviors affect student health.

Methodology Student health scores were assessed through a questionnaire. The dataset was screened to focus on doting and inconsistent parental behavioral styles. The relationship between these behavioral styles and student health scores was reassessed through correlation analysis and significance testing. The screening process highlights variables that have a significant impact on student health, thereby increasing the reliability and validity of the results. …

Measuring Daily Physical Activity Of Students With Id During School Using Accelerometers, Jakob Prechtl, Leonie Sauer, Christiane Reuter

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction To promote physical activity (PA) in special schools for children with intellectual disabilities (ID), the University of Würzburg initiated a participative study. Its goal is to assist a Bavarian school in sustainably becoming more active through systematic development and research. One school serves as the intervention group, while another acts as the control group.

Methodology Physical activity is measured using accelerometers in a pre- and post-test design involving N=137 participants in the pre-test. Movisense Move-4 devices record steps per minute (s/m) during lessons and breaks from 8:30-12:00 o`clock. Data are standardized and analysed using Movisense software, Excel, and SPSS. …

Preferences For Exercise Among Latino Parents Of Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study, Jamie L. Jaime Concepcion, Kristen A. Pickett, Kecia Doyle, Luis Columna

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Latino parents of children with developmental disabilities face significant health disparities, including higher rates of depression and chronic pain, compared to non-Latino white parents (Magaña & Smith, 2006). These disparities negatively impact well-being, highlighting the need for interventions addressing both physical and mental health. While physical activity can reduce these risks, limited research exists on factors influencing exercise participation among Latino parents. Thus, this study aimed to explore Latino parents' preferences toward an exercise program tailored to their needs, aiming to inform the future design of culturally appropriate interventions.

Methods Participants included 15 Latino parents of children aged 3 …

Protocoll On The Implementation Of The Concept “Sports Assistance For People With Disabilities” (Spass) In Bavaria, Christiane Reuter, Jakob Prechtl, Leonie Sauer

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction To enable people with disabilities to participate in organized sports and to initiate a change towards a more inclusive society, the SpAss project was developed based on the PAPAI project (Saari & Skantz, 2017). In the 2023/24 pilot phase in Würzburg, 9 children with disabilities were accompanied by trained sports assistants during a maximum of 10 training sessions in sports clubs. 6 of them remained active after the end of the project. The main project started in October 2024 and lasts 18 months.

Aims and Objectives A specially designed training course for voluntary sports assistants will be implemented into …

Research On The Dilemmas And Countermeasures In The Development Of Early Childhood Physical Education: A Case Study Of Xixian County, Xinyang City, 好 张

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

简介： 幼儿体育教育对于儿童的全面发展至关重要。在华中较欠发达的信阳市西县，由于社会经济水平和教育期望的提高，幼儿体育教育的增长受到了关注。本研究调查了该县幼儿体育教育的现状和挑战，重点关注教师资格、体育设施和计划实施，旨在提供改进建议。

方法： 采用访谈法方法，包括对 15 所幼儿园 （6 所公立和 9 所私立） 和 30 名幼儿教师进行实地调查和访谈，占全县幼儿园的 75%。

结果： 结果显示，在 30 名教师中，13 名是体育专家，17 名是非专业;63.33% 拥有大学文凭，而只有 10% 拥有学士学位。设施不足，只有 26.67% 的幼儿园拥有专用设备，近 70% 的幼儿园没有达到建议的每日 2 小时体育活动标准。

结论：虽然教师有相当的经验，但他们缺乏运动技能熟练度和专业发展机会。设施不足和教师满意度低阻碍了体育教育的有效实施。这些因素显著制约了西县幼儿体育教育的发展。

The Effects Of The Rehabilitation Exercise Program On Functional Movement For Children With Brain Injuries, Jiin Heo, Bogja Jeoung

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: Children with brain injuries often experience motor dysfunction, which affects sensory integration and functional movement. The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a practical tool for diagnosing movement dysfunctions, but its application in the rehabilitation exercise program for children with brain injuries is underexplored.

Purpose: This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercise program in improving functional movement in children with brain injuries.

Methods: The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a diagnostic tool used to identify dysfunctional movement patterns and guide their rehabilitation for functional improvement. There are twelve children (mean age 8.9 years) with …

The Positive Impact Of Collaborative Research Communities On Physical Education Teachers’ Tpack, Xiang Meng, Yangming Zhu, Xiaozan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction:

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) reflects teachers’ ability to integrate technology into education. Physical education, as a practice-focused discipline, faces unique challenges in the digital era. Collaborative Research Communities (CRCs) unite universities, researchers, and teachers to promote professional growth through seminars, lesson analysis, and training. This study explores CRCs’ impact on physical education teachers’ TPACK using 2021–2024 data.

Methods:

This quantitative study utilized a standardized TPACK questionnaire to collect data from 800 physical education teachers between 2021 and 2024. The survey assessed seven TPACK dimensions, including Technological Knowledge (TK), Content Knowledge (CK), Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), …

A Scoping Review Of Aquatic Therapy For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities, Natalia Morgulec-Adamowicz, Oliwia Jakobowicz, Lyndsay Alexander, Andresa Marinho-Buzelli, Catherine Devion, Anna Ogonowska-Slodownik

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Research indicates that aquatic therapy (AT) sessions lead to children feeling happy, relaxed, and calm, and enable them to participate in other activities in school (Muñoz-Blanco et al., 2020). However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the recent reviews have thoroughly or specifically examined the use of AT for children and adolescents with various types of disabilities. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze type of evidence in relation to the use of AT in children and adolescents with disabilities. Such analyze may improve quality of future AT programs, contributes to achievement of health and …