Parents’ physical activity−related perceptions of their children with disabilities

Parental perceptions of barriers to physical activity in children with developmental disabilities living in Trinidad and Tobago

“…Contrasting the findings of Martin and Choi [2], the current study showed that parents did not perceive their children's peer relations in physical activity and sport settings as facilitators to participation in physical activity. Rather, peers were seen to misunderstand the child with a developmental disability or were unable to effectively engage with them due to differences in ability and communication.…”

“…Physical inactivity is one of the main independent risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) [1], the advancement of secondary health conditions, co-morbidities and from an occupational perspective, a reduction in the capacity to function in activities of daily living [2]. Physical inactivity as a risk factor for chronic disease is increasingly becoming a global public health concern [3].…”

“…Studies have explored the value attributable to parents' influences, for example, the benefit of positive parental role modeling, support, and enjoyment of physical activity [2,9,[23][24][25]. Children with developmental disabilities rely heavily on parental support and interaction, and are especially reliant on their parents to facilitate their engagement in physical activity, as they often cannot ascertain informal opportunities for engagement [2], as a result of their physical, cognitive, or social impairments. Parents are integral to the process of engagement in physical activity for children living with developmental disabilities; therefore, having a greater understanding of parental perceptions on the barriers to physical activity for their children is valuable.…”

An in-Depth Investigation of a Model Sport Program for Athletes with a Physical Disability

“…Competence in sport may also facilitate athletes' social development since athletic ability is highly valued by youth and can thereby serve as an effective means of obtaining acceptance and popularity among one's peer group (Martin, 2006). This may be particularly beneficial given that youth with disabilities are often at increased risk for peer rejection or neglect (Martin & Choi, 2009).…”

“…Studies exploring social interactions in disability sport are particularly relevant as previous research indicates that youth with disabilities may be at increased risk for peer rejection or neglect (Martin & Choi, 2009). Finally, since it has been suggested that sport may provide an effective avenue to combat the discrimination and stigma commonly experienced by individuals with disabilities (Giacobbi, Stancil, Hardin, & Bryant, 2008), research within this setting is warranted.…”