Pathways to participation in gymnastics for children with disability

To understand the pathways of children with disability participating in gymnastics in Victoria, Australia. A sequential explanatory mixed-method study design was used. Participants completed an online survey, with selected participants purposively invited to undertake semi-structured interviews via videoconference. Quantitative survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics with preliminary findings informing the invitation of interview participants and refinement of interview questions. Qualitative survey and interview data were analysed together using thematic analysis to create themes. Data was combined to create a conceptual model. Fifty-eight parents consented to participate in the study with eight interviews conducted. Key themes were: (1) Tailored, accessible, supportive environments and programs make a difference, (2) An explicitly inclusive club culture helps young people get and stay involved, (3) Coach knowledge about engaging children with disability is valued, (4) Enjoyment, recognition, and achievement facilitate ongoing participation, and (5) Gymnastics has physical and social benefits for children with disability. The findings inform a conceptual model that describes three key stages along a pathway to participation including; choosing gymnastics as a sport, selecting a club, and ongoing participation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore participation of children with disability in gymnastics in Australia. These findings provide guidance to those supporting children with disability to participate in gymnastics (e.g., policy makers, club owners, coaches, and allied health professionals) regarding creating more inclusive environments and experiences at each stage of participation. This study furthers our understanding of the impact of childhood disability on participation in sport and recreation, with a focus on gymnastics.A combination of accessible environments, inclusive club cultures, recognition and enjoyment, and knowledgeable coaches facilitated participation in gymnastics.Parents perceive gymnastics to have physical and social benefits for their child.A conceptual model has been developed based on the findings to support gymnastics clubs and assist rehabilitation professionals to understand the challenges and enablers to participating in gymnastics. This study furthers our understanding of the impact of childhood disability on participation in sport and recreation, with a focus on gymnastics. A combination of accessible environments, inclusive club cultures, recognition and enjoyment, and knowledgeable coaches facilitated participation in gymnastics. Parents perceive gymnastics to have physical and social benefits for their child. A conceptual model has been developed based on the findings to support gymnastics clubs and assist rehabilitation professionals to understand the challenges and enablers to participating in gymnastics.

本研究旨在探究澳大利亚维多利亚州残疾儿童参与体操运动的参与路径。本研究采用序贯解释性混合方法研究设计（sequential explanatory mixed-method study design）：研究对象首先完成线上调查问卷，随后通过目的性方式邀请筛选出的研究对象参与视频会议形式的半结构化访谈（semi-structured interview）。研究采用描述性统计（descriptive statistics）分析定量问卷数据，基于初步研究结果确定访谈对象邀请范围，并优化访谈提纲。研究采用主题分析法（thematic analysis）对定性问卷及访谈数据开展联合分析以提炼主题，并整合数据构建概念模型（conceptual model）。最终共有58名家长同意参与本研究，完成8场访谈。核心主题包括：（1）定制化、可及性强且具备支持性的环境与项目可产生积极影响；（2）明确的俱乐部包容文化有助于青少年参与并坚持体操运动；（3）教练针对残疾儿童参与运动的相关知识储备备受认可；（4）愉悦感、认同感与成就感可推动持续参与；（5）体操运动可为残疾儿童带来生理与社交层面的益处。本研究基于上述发现构建概念模型，该模型阐明了参与路径中的三大核心阶段：选择体操作为运动项目、筛选适配俱乐部，以及持续参与运动。据我们所知，本研究为澳大利亚国内首项针对残疾儿童体操参与情况开展的探索性研究。本研究结果可为助力残疾儿童参与体操运动的相关群体（如政策制定者、俱乐部经营者、教练及辅助医疗专业人员（allied health professionals））提供指导，帮助其在参与的各阶段构建更具包容性的环境与体验。本研究深化了我们对儿童残疾状况如何影响体育与休闲活动参与的认知，研究聚焦体操运动领域。可及性环境、包容的俱乐部文化、认同感与愉悦感，以及专业的教练团队共同推动了残疾儿童的体操参与。家长普遍认为体操运动可为其子女带来生理与社交层面的益处。本研究基于研究结果构建了概念模型，以助力体操俱乐部运营，并帮助康复专业人员理解残疾儿童参与体操运动所面临的挑战与促进因素。本研究深化了我们对儿童残疾状况如何影响体育与休闲活动参与的认知，研究聚焦体操运动领域。可及性环境、包容的俱乐部文化、认同感与愉悦感，以及专业的教练团队共同推动了残疾儿童的体操参与。家长普遍认为体操运动可为其子女带来生理与社交层面的益处。本研究基于研究结果构建了概念模型，以助力体操俱乐部运营，并帮助康复专业人员理解残疾儿童参与体操运动所面临的挑战与促进因素。