Adaptive Sports & Recreation: History Current Trends Case Studies

PRESENTERS: Kathleen Salas, PT, MHA Clinical Specialist- Salem Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers – North Shore Coordinator Ali Stoll, PT, DPT Physical Therapist –Boston Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers- Boston Coordinator

Objectives: Appreciate the underpinnings of adaptive sports & recreation Understand numerous benefits of adaptive & inclusive recreation Be familiar with current trends in adaptive sports Understand & brainstorm adaptations for sports and activities Increase awareness of adaptive resources

Brief History of Inclusion 1800s Perkin’s School for the Blind-1st P.E. program 1930s public schools created separate gym classes 1950s Kennedy Foundation attention on cognitive disabilities 1972 IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act=equal educational opportunities 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act: mobility-related mandates: equal access to gyms, parks & recreation (trail width, picnic table height, pools, golf) www.adachecklist.org

Brief History of Adaptive Sports 1924 – Deaflympics Veterans post WW2 led to rise in wheelchair basketball 1948 International Paralympic Committee -> 1960 first Summer Games Returning Vietnam Vets & new amputees founded National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association in 1968; skiing Special Olympics also founded 1968 2013 US Dep’t of Education: Equal access to school sports for the disabled! .

Importance of Adaptive Recreation Multiple factors affect life satisfaction: family, community, work. When individuals do not feel satisfied, motivation to participate and contribute in each area also decreases. Individuals with disabilities felt 27% less satisfied with life than individuals without disabilities. Survey conducted by the National Organization on Disability (2004), Shank, Coyle, Boyd and Kinney (1996) believe recreation, leisure and play improve quality of life and “improve and maintain physical and psychological health and well-being” (p. 190). http://js.sagamorepub.com/trj/article/view/1202

Importance of Adaptive Recreation One in four Americans ages five and older have at least one disability. Only 12% of adults with a disability meet the minimum physical activity recommendations 30 minutes of moderate physical activity >5/week or 20 minutes of rigorous activity >3/week Physical inactivity among people who have a disability has been linked to an increase in the severity of the disability and a decrease in involvement in the community” Centers for Disease Control 2010

Over the past 14 years, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network has enabled individuals of all abilities to lead active, healthy lifestyles, through participation in sports and recreational pursuits. Children and adults participate in Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center (SASC) programs under the supervision of adaptive sports professionals & Spaulding therapists, providing the perfect environment to try a new sport or get back to one you always loved.  

(Bobbi’s Poster)

Adaptive Sport Research Emotional gains more powerful/statistically significant than physical gains

Adaptive Sports: Physical Gains Improvements in strength and endurance were greater in those who participated >5 days than 3-5 days

Adaptive Sports: Emotional Benefits Improved confidence and self-esteem not related to frequency of participation Even a single session with SASC Boston may have a positive emotional impact on an individual Intangibles: Independence & Empowerment

Potential Lifestyle Changes Did participation in the SASC Boston Program motivate you to exercise more regularly? 88% answered YES! We need to take a closer look at the words “regular exercise” and how that term is defined but what we do know is that even if these individuals are motivated to exercise even 1-2 times/week more than they used to, that is a positive step in the direction of achieving emotional, physical and health related benefits. Our research suggests once an individual participates in adaptive recreation, they may perceive fewer barriers to an active lifestyle.

What’s New in Spaulding

What’s New Spaulding National Running Center, Cambridge Prosthetic Research Global advances in prosthetic technology

Consider integrated sports like w/c basketball & seated volleyball? Inclusion for recreation & sports Historically: separate sports only for those with disabilities & special needs. Current choices: Disabled students/athletes can play on existing teams (track & field, swimming) OR Disabled athletes play on their own leagues (power wheelchair soccer, sled hockey) Consider integrated sports like w/c basketball & seated volleyball?

How to build Adaptive Sports? Certifications: some separate vs some adaptive training in addition to sport certifications. Paraympic Sport Movement

What makes activities adaptive? Not just the special gear… Equipment modifications + Environment considerations Individualized teaching for student’s learning style & pace Brainstorming with clients to focus on abilities =Empowerment

Who Can Participate? Minimal Eligibility Requirements Transfer with assist Sitting tolerance > 20-30 minutes Stable cognition (alert & oriented) Communication established Sport specifics + Courage Open mind Transport & $ Our role is to remove as many barriers as possible

All ages & people with…. Neuromuscular: Cognitive: amputations stroke Traumatic brain injury SCI Cerebral palsy Behavioral: Mental health PTSD Cognitive: Developmental delays Autism Sensory dysfunction: Visual or hearing impairments Orthopedics: OA, RA

How do we adapt equipment? 1. Bikes LE recumbent trikes Pedal, breaking, and shifting modifications Tandem capability Foot plates Ab/adduction bars

How do we adapt equipment? Arm Bikes Handcycle types Seating modifications Pedal grip modifications Brake/shifter location

How do we adapt equipment? 2. Kayaking Seating modifications Paddle grip modifications

How do we adapt equipment? 3. Golf Solo rider golf cart Seated Swing Balance assistance One arm swing modifications Ergonomics Clubs

How do we adapt equipment? 4. Rock Wall Climbing Ascending devices: single or double handed Harnesses: Hoyer like, Chair, Thoracic Min to Max pulley assist

How do we adapt equipment? 5. Skiing Mono-Ski Bi-Ski & Tethered sit-skis Stand up skiers with outriggers: 3 & 4 Trackers Snowboarding Nordic

How do we adapt equipment? 6. Court Sports Wheelchairs – cambered wheels, wider base, quicker turning radius

How do we adapt equipment? 77. Adaptive Skating Skates + “walkers” Yak track treads Sled Hockey: sit sleds + sticks= Paralympic level

How do we adapt equipment? 8. Therapeutic Riding Saddle options Rein adaptations Stirrups or not Transfer lift + Wheelchair ramp 1 Lead + 2 side walkers

How do we adapt equipment? Archery Grip support Bow support/mount Mouth tab Target distance

Case Studies: considerations & safety Accessibility: environment, terrain, restrooms, parking Clothing (dressing for New England weather!) Heat and hydration prevention Skin: seating & positioning for high contact areas Sport specific pre-activity screens (water safety) Equipment (helmets, braking, steering)

Group activity - problem solving You will be given a participant with challenges and/or special requirements Adapt the activity, address the following: barriers equipment choices and modifications precautions before & during activity specific benefits for your participant Present your participant and how you have adapted the activity.

National Organizations: Adaptive Sport Equipment Grants: Resources Local SASC Partners: Acces Sport America CAPEable Adventures Northeast Passage New England Disabled Sports Community Rowing Community Boating Piers Park Sailing MA DCR Universal Access National Organizations: Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) US Paralympics & Regional Chapters Wounded Warriors Adaptive Sport Equipment Grants: Challenged Athlete Foundation Kelly Brush Foundation Travis Roy Foundation Community Options: Consider COA, Sr. Centers, Park & Rec, YMCA, B & G

Questions? Activities yield challenges + benefits Multi-disciplinary team Low staff: client ratio SASC Network Contacts:   Kathleen Comfort Salas, North Shore 978-745-9003 extension 8835 ksalas@partners.org Ali Stoll, Boston 617-573-7104 astoll1@partners.org