In:
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Human Kinetics, Vol. 34, No. 3 ( 2017-07), p. 235-255
Abstract:
Power soccer (or powerchair football), the first competitive team sport for users of motorized wheelchairs, is receiving increased attention among people with disabilities, healthcare professionals, and academics. The present study provides a qualitative analysis of the experiences of 34 American power soccer athletes. Participant observation and in-depth interviews with 11 female and 23 male athletes were conducted between 2007 and 2013. Results indicate that involvement in power soccer provides participants with an increased sense of empowerment, acquisition of social capital, and psychosocial benefits, including a deep satisfaction of the desire to participate in competitive sports and an opportunity to be independent. Implications of these findings for improving the quality of life of people with physical disabilities and for future research are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0736-5829
,
1543-2777
DOI:
10.1123/apaq.2016-0022
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Human Kinetics
Publication Date:
2017
SSG:
31
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