Impact of Organized Sports on People with Neurologic Disabilities
Physical activity plays an imperative role in the prevention of various chronic diseases. There has, however, been very limited exploration of the actual benefits of organized sports for individuals with neurologic disabilities. An organized sport can be defined as a competitive physical activity that can be played with one person or a team (Street, James, & Cutt, 2007). The article thus summarizes the existing evidence about the impact of organized sports on the participation, activity, and quality of life of individuals with neurologic disabilities while also discussing the facilitators and barriers to participation in the sports. Based in the various articles reviewed, it was noted that organized sports can play an integral role for individuals, of all ages, Individuals with disabilities, thus, currently have a longer lifespan than before due to their participation sports. Organized sport empowers individuals with neurological disabilities to set and achieve objectives and thus on their terms reach a higher quality of life.
Taking part in organized sports is believed to be inviting and fun hence fostering a sense of comradeship and social fellowship. Existing evidence, thus, shows that individuals with neurological disabilities who are active in organized sports are characterized by an increased sense of self-concept, life fulfillment, and self-esteem. Individuals with neurological disabilities who are active in organized sports are also characterized by decreased incidents of anxiety and depression (Sahlin & Lexell, 2015). The findings of this study also point to the need for health care providers to acknowledge the significant impact of organized sports and how they can be integrated as evidence-based care in managing individuals with neurological disabilities. Lastly, the study findings also point to the need for further studies that will serve to evaluate the full impact of organized sports on individuals with neurologic disabilities.
References
Sahlin, K. B., & Lexell, J. (2015). Impact of organized sports on activity, participation, and quality of life in people with neurologic disabilities. PM&R, 7(10), 1081-1088.
Street, G., James, R., & Cutt, H. (2007). The relationship between organised physical recreation and mental health. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 18(3), 236-239.