Adaptive tennis as a means of physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of people with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: to determine the effectiveness of the introduction of adaptive tennis as a means of physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Material and methods. Research methods included expert survey, analysis of scientific and methodological literature; socio-psychological questionnaire (quantitative assessment of the emotional state and level of vital activity was carried out using the visual-analog pain scale (VAS) and the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire, adapted to persons with disabilities. socio-psychological questionnaire (quantitative assessment of the emotional state and level of vital activity was carried out using the visual-analog pain scale (VAS) and the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire. scales: physical functioning, role functioning, emotional well-being, social activity); SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). The study involved 6 people with disabilities aged 18 to 45 who underwent a course of physical rehabilitation with elements of adaptive tennis. The sample included individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, in particular with the consequences of spinal cord injuries and amputations of the lower extremities. The study was conducted for 8 weeks as part of the program for the introduction of adaptive tennis as a means of physical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities on the basis of the Department of Physical Education of NTU "KhPI" (Kharkiv), on the basis of the physical culture and recreation complex "Mobile" (Pisochyn village, Kharkiv region), on the basis of the Kharkiv Regional Center for Medical and Social Expertise and Rehabilitation of the Disabled. Results. The results of the questionnaire showed that most of the participants assessed their physical well-being at an average level (5.8 points out of 10), and the level of pain according to their own sensations was 6.3 points, which confirms the need for further physical intervention. Motivation to participate in the activity was moderate (4.5 points), while awareness of adaptive tennis was low (3.2 points). At the same time, participants generally expressed positive expectations from the program (6.0 points). As a result of the implementation of the adaptive tennis program for 6 weeks, statistically significant positive changes in the physical and psychosocial state of the participants were recorded. In particular, indicators of physical functioning, social activity and psycho-emotional state according to the SF-36 questionnaire improved, and the level of pain on the VAS scale decreased by an average of 49%. Participants noted an increase in satisfaction with participating in physical activity, and experts noted the high adaptability, safety, and motivational potential of the program. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the organizational model of adaptive tennis as an innovative means of physical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Conclusions. In the course of the study, an individualized program of adaptive tennis classes for people with disabilities was developed, implemented and tested, which combined physical, rehabilitation and socio-motivational components. SWOT analysis of organizational and managerial factors revealed a high potential for scaling the program in the presence of proper personnel, material and methodological support, and also confirmed the relevance of adaptive tennis in the system of post-traumatic and social rehabilitation. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of further integration of adaptive tennis into the practice of invasport, physical rehabilitation institutions and rehabilitation programs for veterans, persons with musculoskeletal disorders and other nosologies.