Adapted Physical Activity Professionals in Rehabilitation: An Explorative Study in the Norwegian Context

Abstract

Adapted physical activity (APA) is characterized by a strong orientation to professional practice. Currently, there exists limited empirical research about the professional status of APA in the context of rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and understand the professional status, role, and work tasks of APA specialists in Norway. For the purpose of the study, the authors conducted group interviews with APA specialists and individual interviews with unit leaders at six rehabilitation institutions in the national specialist health care services. The results highlight the content of the work tasks, the roles in the cross-professional teams, the status in the institutions, and what the participants perceive to be the knowledge base for their profession. Although these results may be specific to the Norwegian context, the authors also discuss possible implications of their findings for APA in an international perspective.

Development of evidence‐based classification for para surfers with physical impairments: A narrative review

“…Conceptual framework for para surfing classification. This figure depicts the conceptual framework for para surfing classification and sport performance modified with permission from Stoter et al 21 This framework outlines the classification process and lays the groundwork for future research studies to develop an evidence‐based classification system in para surfing. For athlete success in the sport, the characteristics of the athlete, the equipment, and the sport task and environment need to be addressed.…”

“…Further articles found on adaptive surfing focused on organizations, [19][20][21] surf therapy, [22][23][24][25][26] effects of surf therapy in children, 21,25,27,28 and improvements with combat-related trauma. 29 They demonstrated a presence of adaptive surfing in the literature; however, the articles did not provide information on sport classification or surfing biomechanics.…”

“Here we are together, at home you are alone” – social interactions and personal engagement during a group-based rehabilitation program for young adults with disability

“…The first author (MM) undertook all ethnographic data collection. MM is a trained ethnographer and an adapted physical activity (APA) instructor [35] and at the time of data collection had three years of experience working at BHC. During data collection MM adopted the role of researcher and trusted confidant for the young adults, with her previous APA instructor experience enabling her acceptance within the groups [36,37].…”

“…BHC in Norway provides a group-based rehabilitation program underpinned by the principles of APA for people living with disabilities [39,40], adopting a "holistic approach to disability, seeking to enhance lifelong activity and participation in local environments" [41,p.199]. The program focuses on developing physical skills in both new and known physical activities through experiential learning processes tailored to the preferences and needs of each individual [26,35,41,42].…”

Effects of an Adapted Physical Education Course on Attitudes toward Sport of Omani Individuals with Disabilities

“…Accordingly, the physical sports activity of the IDs can be programmed and adjusted. Some of the comprehensive rehabilitation institutions consider the APE as a part of physiotherapy, not as a basic component of the interventions of the IDs as applicable in Norway [20]. Physical education programs in special education centers may contribute to the social empowerment and inclusion of the IDs [21].…”