THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Adaptive Physical Education (APE) and rehabilitation are interdisciplinary fields that share the common objective of improving the functional capacity, independence, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities and special educational needs. Although both disciplines have developed independently within educational and healthcare systems, recent scientific evidence demonstrates a growing convergence between them. Adaptive physical education extends beyond the acquisition of motor skills by supporting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, while rehabilitation increasingly incorporates educational and physical activity principles to promote long-term functional recovery and community participation. This theoretical study examines the interrelationship between adaptive physical education and rehabilitation by analyzing contemporary scientific literature, international policy documents, and evidence-based conceptual frameworks. The paper explores their common theoretical foundations, objectives, principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical implications for inclusive education and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, it discusses modern rehabilitation technologies, multidisciplinary approaches, and future research directions that can strengthen cooperation between educational and healthcare systems. The analysis concludes that integrating adaptive physical education into rehabilitation programs provides significant benefits for motor development, psychological well-being, educational participation, and social inclusion.