posted on 2024-11-22, 04:25authored byNatasha K Brusco, Jane Henderson, Clare Merison, Kelly Saber, Anita Woon, Sara L Whittaker, Nikki Lunniss, Rachael McAleerRachael McAleer, Maddy McMillan, Amy-Claire Wilson, Isuru Peries, Jade Correia, Alyssa Zhou, Brittany Zeler, Reka Soultanidis, Samantha O′Keefe, Tara Lake, Hysha Trinh, Madeleine Gin, Darren Luo, Jessica Patussi, Lulu Xu, Rebecca Wright, Natasha Layton
Background: The aim of this study is to understand what children with a disability like and dislike about participating in a gymnastics program, and to understand the views of the adults supporting the program. Methods: Children with a mild intellectual disability (aged 5–12) from a primary school providing special education participated in one of four gymnastics programs (1 h/week for 5 weeks) at a gymnastics centre. The program included ~25–50 children per group, with ~20 adults providing support, including gymnastics coaches, teachers, and adult students on placement. To evaluate the program, children (11–12-year-olds; n = 51) were invited to complete a written two-page reflection, and the adults were invited to participate in one of three focus groups. Results: 150 children attended one of four programs. Twenty-six 11–12-year-olds participated in the evaluation (n = 26/51, 51%), and, from the written responses, the themes of ‘individual preference’ and ‘resilience’ emerged. It was found that 96% (n = 25/26) reported they would like to do more gymnastics, 88% (n = 23/26) reported positive feelings during gymnastics, and 65% (n = 17/26) expressed concerns such as feeling tired or hot. Twenty-three adults participated in a focus group. Key themes included the positive impact the program delivery had on the children’s participation; and the positive impact on coaches, students, and teacher’s disability attitudes and knowledge. Conclusions: This gymnastics program was well-liked by children with a disability. To optimise participation, promoting individual choice and control may be of benefit.
Funding
In 2022: Waverley Gymnastics Centre, in partnership with Vermont South Special School and Monash University, was awarded AUD $50,000 via a Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) grant with the intent of providing a time-limited inclusive gymnastics program for children with a disability.