Research Square · Mar 24, 2022
The association between wheelchair sports participation and quality of life in individuals with physical disabilities
By Bochkezanian V, Hill MG, Pederick K et al.
Abstract Purpose: To investigate the association between wheelchair sports and quality of life among individuals with physical disabilities living in Australia. Methods: 54 participants aged 18-65 years with physical disabilities completed an online survey. The survey contained the WHOQOL-BREF as the primary outcome measure to assess the quality of life in participants.Results: Participants consisted of 16 females (30%), 37 males (69%) and one who identified as other (1%). Of the 54 participants, 31 (57%) lived in a metropolitan area and 23 (43%) lived in a non- metropolitan area. The total number of participants who actively participated in wheelchair sports (Group 1) was 31 (57%), whilst 23 (43%) did not actively participate in any wheelchair sport (Group 2). Of the 54 participants, 42 (78%) had reported barriers to participation. There was a higher, but non-significant difference (6.9, 95%CI -3.8, 17.6, p=0.20) in quality of life scores between those participating in wheelchair sport (61.1±16.9) and those who did not (54.2±20.8). Discussion: This study showed that there was a positive relationship between participation in wheelchair sports and improved quality of life. The findings of this study were consistent with previous research that concluded that regular physical activity had a positive influence on an individual’s quality of life. Scores were higher in those who actively participates in wheelchair sports. Overall, the results from this study found a positive association between participation in wheelchair sports and increased quality of life.