TY - JOUR
T1 - A Pilot Acceptability Study of an 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' Day Program to Facilitate Participation in Organised Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities
AU - Howells, Katherine
AU - Sivaratnam, Carmel
AU - May, Tamara
AU - Lindor, Ebony
AU - Rinehart, Nicole
PY - 2019/12/11
Y1 - 2019/12/11
N2 - In a mixed-methods design, the current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a junior Australian rules football program across two 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' days for children aged 5-11 years with disabilities, based on parent and child responses. Three online surveys were created by health professionals based on existing participation models. Surveys were completed by parents immediately before (n = 23), after the 'Pre-Learn' days (n = 15) and following the conclusion of the community version of the program (n = 13). Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in child ratings around enjoyment of the sport. Qualitative analyses generated three themes around enjoyment in a low-stress environment; the education provided around the sport for parents/children; and, contemplation about playing the football program within their community. Four families (22% of the original attendees) went on to play the sport within a community setting. Despite acknowledged limitations, this study demonstrates preliminary evidence in support of an 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' day as a stepping stone to facilitate later participation in a football program within a child's community. Increased participation would allow children to experience the benefits associated with sport participation, such as motor and social skill development.
AB - In a mixed-methods design, the current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a junior Australian rules football program across two 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' days for children aged 5-11 years with disabilities, based on parent and child responses. Three online surveys were created by health professionals based on existing participation models. Surveys were completed by parents immediately before (n = 23), after the 'Pre-Learn' days (n = 15) and following the conclusion of the community version of the program (n = 13). Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in child ratings around enjoyment of the sport. Qualitative analyses generated three themes around enjoyment in a low-stress environment; the education provided around the sport for parents/children; and, contemplation about playing the football program within their community. Four families (22% of the original attendees) went on to play the sport within a community setting. Despite acknowledged limitations, this study demonstrates preliminary evidence in support of an 'AllPlay Pre-Learn' day as a stepping stone to facilitate later participation in a football program within a child's community. Increased participation would allow children to experience the benefits associated with sport participation, such as motor and social skill development.
KW - disability
KW - football
KW - organised physical activity
KW - sports participation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85076486181&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/ijerph16245058
DO - 10.3390/ijerph16245058
M3 - Article
C2 - 31835865
AN - SCOPUS:85076486181
SN - 1661-7827
VL - 16
JO - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
IS - 24
ER -