Adaptive Sports Exploration Program

H. McReynolds TRS, CTRS (student)

University of Utah
B. Kinch TRS, CTRS (student)
University of Utah
Program: Adaptive Sports Exploration

Purpose: To provide education and training on the skills, adaptations and techniques needed to participate in wheelchair sports for
individuals with a spinal cord injury. This program will familiarize participants with the types of recreational activities they are able to
participate in, adaptations available to them, and help develop a sense of membership through participation in the community. With
the skills and techniques learned through this program participants will feel confident to continue their participation in the one or more
of the 4 adaptive sports taught and, to pursue other recreational activities in their community.

Program Objectives
TPO 1. To demonstrate skills and knowledge of proper bowling techniques
EO 1. To demonstrate the ability and proper technique setting up and utilizing adaptive equipment
EO 2. To demonstrate the ability to understand and score bowling
TPO 2. To demonstrate an understanding of leisure/recreation resources available in their community and confidence to pursue those
resources
EO 1. To demonstrate knowledge of community leisure/recreation resources
EO 2. To demonstrate confidence in their personal resources to participate in other recreational pursuits

Implementation Description

Population
This program is for male and female individuals with a spinal cord injury with a LOI below C7-T1 who are interested in learning
about, and participating in adaptive sports.This program will explore 4 different adaptive sports, allowing the participants to see a
variety of activities and adaptations that will enable them to have the confidence and skills for future increased participation in the
community through adaptive recreation. This content was developed to serve individuals who are 16 years old and older. The program
is limited to no more than 10 individuals, and no less than 4.
Program Length and Duration
This program is a 4 week program that meets twice a week for 90 minutes each session. Each week the program will focus on a
different sport; week 1 weight training, week 2 wheelchair basketball, week 3 wheelchair bowling, week 4 (depending on the season)
adaptive skiing or adaptive cycling. The first session of each week is primarily instructional; the participants will be introduced to the
sport, rules, fundamentals, techniques, and adaptive equipment theyll need for participation. At the end of the first session
participants will practice their techniques and adjust the adaptations needed so that the second session of the week will be primarily
participation and practicing.

Program Context
This program is intended to be used in a community setting, but could be adapted for a clinical or inpatient setting using varying
indoor and outdoor equipment. Since each week is a different sport there are going to be a variety of settings used, but the sports used
can be substituted for another if the facility is unable to provide instruction for that particular sport.

Staff
If the group exceeds 4 participants there will need to be 2 TR staff. The TR staff need to have extensive knowledge of each of the
adaptive sports in the program, and the varying types of adaptations that each participant can implement. Volunteers participating in
the program need to have completed the NAC orientation, as well as the adaptive sports exploration training. These trained volunteers
will be assigned to assist participants as needed, and to engage in social activity. The program will have 1 volunteer for every 2
participants.

Facility
The settings used will need to meet ADA standards and necessary reservations for the specified day and time of the activity. Since
each week is a different activity the TR staff will need to ensure that each setting has the proper adaptive equipment, time and room to
support the group.

Equipment
The equipment needed will vary depending on the activity, the abilities of the individual, and the adaptations they may need.
Additional Implementation Information

A Note on Population Considerations

With this program we specified the LOI that we are capable of accommodating with our facility and equipment. However this
program can easily be altered to have the participation of all individuals with a SCI with no restrictions on LOI participation, if the
facility has the means and equipment to facilitate their participation. It may be more beneficial having individuals with a similar LOI
in a group to encourage social networking and peer group work.

Program Content and Process

If necessary, additional enabling objectives and performance measures can be added to the program to facilitate either more basic or
advanced training depending on the abilities and skill level of the clients.

Evaluation of the Performance Measures

The evaluation of the clients performance should be done so on an ongoing basis. Some of the criteria in the performance measures
will be met during the activity while the rest will be met during processing. With the trained volunteer staff assisting clients the TR
should be able to observe and report on each patient's progress at the end of each session.
 Objectives and Performance Measures

Program: Adaptive Bowling

Terminal Program Objective 1. To demonstrate skills and knowledge of proper bowling techniques

Enabling Objective Performance Measure

1. To demonstrate the proper bowling techniques and
independently utilizing adaptive equipment
1. During the recreational activity the client will
independently set up the adaptive equipment they need to
successfully pitch the bowling ball down the lane
a. Depending on their LOI and skill level client may
need:
1. Bumpers
2. Ramp
3. Bowling Ball Pusher
4. VersaGrip Bowling Ball
5. Grip Handled Bowling Ball
6. Light Weight Bowling ball
7. Wheelchair technique and skills for
throwing, rolling or tossing the ball
ii. The above will be determined the first
session of the week when bowling is
introduced

2. During the recreational activity the client will

2. To demonstrate the ability to understand and score independently score each frame using the score sheet and
bowling pencil
a. Depending on grip strength client may need:
i. grip adaptations
 Content and Process Description
TPO NO.: 1
EO NO.: 1 To demonstrate the proper bowling techniques and independently utilizing adaptive equipment

EQUIPMENT: Adaptive Bowling Ramp, Bowling Ball, Bowling Pins, Bowling Ramps

Content Process

Introduction: Introduction to group:

This serves as a way to initiate interaction among the
group and go over the homework for the previous week
as well as address any apprehension or issues that may
come up with the activity.
Activity 1:
This program is intended to not only demonstrate the
possible sports that clients are able to participate in, but
how they are able to adapt and learn techniques for
successful participation. The first session of bowling the
fundamentals of the rules, techniques and adaptations for
wheelchair bowling was introduced and participants were
given an opportunity to discover which adaptation and
technique would work best for them.
To begin Group the TRS will gather the clients in a quiet
area to go over the homework from the previous session
and address any concerns people may have about the
upcoming events or from the previous week and refresh
the rules of the group.
Hi Everyone, How is everyone doing today?
I know we have gone the rules already but does someone
want to help remind the group what the rules are?
Address any concerns and then go one by one and ask
what they did for the homework.
Alright so now were going to go around the room
introduce ourselves to the class and say what we did for
homework

The Homework last week was to visit a place or

participate in an activity that you have not been to since
your spinal cord injury. If you didnt have a chance to do
the homework just say your name and something want to
try and havent done yet.
Activity 1:
Begin bowling activity by getting everyone together in
 the area that bowling will take place.

Ok everyone, Today we will be bowling again! I want

everyone to think about what they learned last week. Can
anyone come up with something they learned bowling
last week and how it may have helped them with
something in their lives this week? I would like everyone
to try and apply what they learned last week to this week
to help you continue to improve with bowling.

Go over the proper bowling technique for a wheelchair

and explain that we have a ramp available.
I know some of you were able to bowl without the ramp
but remember that it is there for you if you would like to
use it.

Be watchful of people who may need some assistance or

guidance in rolling the ball down the lane. Some
examples of common problems and solutions may be:
Forgetting to engage the brakes on their chairs
If you see someone forget politely remind
them to engage the brakes
Difficulty lifting the ball
You may assist with lifting the ball and
putting it on the ramp
Difficulty rolling the ball in a straight line
Try to help with their form and working
around the chair
Difficulty aiming the ramp
Spend time with them lining it up and
assisting aiming at the pins
Difficulty moving the ramp unassisted
Help them set the ramp up.
Discuss with clients the importance of having a clear mind and
letting things that may be going on in your life go.
Keeping a clear mind will allow you to focus on the
bowling better and allow you to be more consistent in
your rolls. If you are distracted by things that may be
going on outside of here it will be harder for you to bowl
well consistently.
Post Bowling Processing:
Everyone lets gather over here and talk about how the
bowling went
How was bowling today?
How did it compare to last time?
Did anyone find it difficult?
Why was it difficult?
How could you overcome this in the
future?
 Content and Process Description
TPO NO.: 1
EO NO.: 2 To demonstrate the ability to understand and independently score bowling
EQUIPMENT: Pen/Pencil, Score Sheet
Content
To be able to function independently, comprehension of rules
and scoring must be established. This not only allows the
participants to function on their own in the community but
engages them cognitively. Many clients with spinal cord injury
find themselves isolated and unable to participate in activities
that they used to do. Some of these activities may have a
cognitive aspect to them and this activity will allow them to be
engaged cognitively as well as physically.
Process
Introduction to scoring:
The introduction to scoring will take place right before we bowl.
Today we are going to independently score our games,
This will help you if you ever go bowling and the
automatic scoring is not working or if a bowling alley
does not have one, and will help you with how the
scoring actually works in bowling since it can be
confusing
Here is an example of a game with the score card filled
out. The large area in the box is for your running total.
The small box on the left side is for the first roll you take.
The small box in the corner on the right side is for the
second roll you take. The X over the entire box is for a
strike and and backslash in the small corner is for when
you score a spare. A spare is when you knock all the pins
down on your second bowl. Are there any questions
about this?
The tricky part is going to be adding up the score. For
the first frame, if you score a strike you will take the 10
for the strike and then the next two rolls you take. For
example if you have a strike then another strike and
another strike you get 30 points for the first frame and at
least 20 for the second frame. The highest you can get for
 a frame is 30 and since there are 10 frames in a game you
can score up to 300 points in a full game. For spares you
add the next roll to the score. So if you get a spare and
then the next frame you knock down 3 pins then 2 pins
on your second bowl you get 13 for the frame you scored
a spare. Any questions? Why do you think this is
important to know?

Scoring:
The participants will record how many pins they knocked
down in each frame and the therapist will be there to help
clarify and double check their scoring.
Terminal Program Objective 2. To demonstrate an understanding of leisure/recreation resources available in their community and
confidence to pursue those resources

Enabling Objective Performance Measure

1. To demonstrate knowledge of personal community leisure
resources
2. To demonstrate confidence in their abilities to participate in
other recreational pursuits
1. During processing upon request the patient will verbally list 3
resources available in their community that would enable them
to participate in recreational activities
2. During processing client will verbally discuss:
- Why they wanted to participate in adaptive sports
- At least 1 reason why they hesitated in joining
- At least 1 ability/technique/skill that theyve used while
bowling, and how this can assist them in at least one
other possible activity

Content and Process Description

TPO NO.: 2
EO NO.: 1 To demonstrate knowledge of community leisure resources

EQUIPMENT: Salt Lake City Community Leisure Resource Poster, tape, marker

Content Process

Introduction to Activity 2: Introduction to Activity 2:

During this activity the group will work on brainstorming
and visualizing a variety of community leisure resources
available to them for leisure and recreation participation.
Active participation in community recreation activities
creates a sense of membership. This feeling of
membership and belonging encourages further
After bowling TR will have the participants gather in a
quiet area after bowling, allow for time for them to
switch from the bowling lanes to the room.
Now were going to do an activity to help us brainstorm
and visualize our community leisure and recreation
resources that are available to everyone here
 community engagement and leisure participation
Membership: Feelings of emotional security, belonging and
identification
Understanding the variety of resources available to them
in their community is an important take away from this
program. Knowing what type of resources they can
access and feeling confident to discover additional
resources in their community is important to feel like an
active member in their community again
Activity 2:
Knowledge of available recreational activities in the
community increase the participant's ability to review
their recreation options, make choices and follow through
with goal attainment. This is enhanced by knowledge of
skills, techniques and adaptations needed for
participation taught in TPO 1
Future participation in leisure is dependant on the ability
to locate and utilize leisure resources in the home,
neighborhood, and the community
Activity 2:
TR will then present the Salt Lake City Community
Leisure Resource Poster and explain to the group the
activity:
This is a rough layout of our community here in Salt
Lake City. Now I want you think about the sports weve
explored so far in this program, and the sport well be
exploring next week (sit skiing) and help label the leisure
and recreation resources available to you in the
community. These can be resources that weve taken
advantage of in the program, or a resource you are
interested in using but havent yet.
With each suggestion TR should note if this is an
activity they have done or want to do.
If they have done it why did they like it?
Do they plan on continuing participation?
If not then why do they want to do it?
Why havent they taken advantage of this
resource yet?
Some possible suggestions if they get stuck:
Community Recreation Centers
Salt Lake County Adaptive Sports
Program
 Basketball, bowling, softball,
sled hockey, swimming, rugby,
Paralympic Sport Club
VA wheelchair games
National parks
Adaptive cycling/mountain biking
Wheelchair accessible hikes
Skiing, rock climbing
Camping
Clubs/programs
Paralympic sport club
NAC
Other programs/sports you
maybe interested in; mountain
biking, cycling, rock climbing,
paddle sports, water sports,
skiing, sled hockey, challenge
course.
SPLORE
Wasatch Adaptive Sports
TRAILS
The Kostopulos Dream Foundation
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures
Processing Activity 2: Processing Activity 2:
Following Maslows Hierarchy of needs TR will discuss After about 10 minutes or until the group runs out of
the finished Salt Lake City Leisure Resources Poster with suggestions TR will tell the group to discuss what they
the group to ensure that they all understand how to take have suggested:
advantage of all the resources listed on the poster. Remembering
What stands out to you the most about what
weve added to our list?
Why does that stand out to you?
Understanding
Why is it important that we know about these
resources?
Applying
How can take advantage of these community
 resources after this program?
Analyzing
Weve discussed earlier and in past sessions how
participation in adaptive sports can affect your
life not only physically but socially and
spiritually. But how will participation in the
community affect your life?
Your family and friends lives?
Evaluating
How do you think learning about and
participating in different adaptive recreation
programs will affect your ability to participate in
different areas of your life?
ADLS
Body management
Other recreational and leisure pursuits
Creating
What sort of barriers do you see trying to
participate in recreation in the future?
What are ways to overcome these
barriers?
How can we discover different types of adaptive
programs available to you?
What adaptive recreation program/sport/activity
was interesting to you the most?
 Content and Process Description
TPO NO.: 2
EO NO.: 2 To demonstrate confidence in their personal resources to participate in other recreational pursuits
EQUIPMENT: Paper, pencils, foam grip (if needed)
Content
Introduction to Activity 3:
Successful participation in community recreation is done
so by helping to offset the limitations brought on by
disability by identifying and increasing the individual's
strengths for further self-sufficiency and independence
Activity 3
Personal resources are important for each individual to
understand, and affects their confidence in recreation and
leisure participation.
It is important that we enable participants to understand
why knowing their strengths is important for future
recreation participation.
Process
Introduction to Activity 3:
Throughout our program weve talked a little about
personal resources that we can draw upon for leisure and
recreation participation.
Im going to bring out the personal strengths lists we
have all worked on throughout this program. So far with
this list weve come up with two categories. If you can
remember after our first week of weight training we all
put down physical abilities as our first category. Then,
after basketball we put down our social networks as our
second personal strength category. So today Id like for
us to come up with one more category, well discuss it
and then I want you all to take these lists home with you
and expand on each category.
Activity 3
With bowling we did you notice the amount of focus you
had to have, and how that focus affected your ability to
knock down the pins?
So for the last one let's all put down cognitive
abilities
What could those entail?
So now I want everyone to take these lists home with
them and expand under each of those categories, detail
what about your physical, social network and cognitive
abilities are strengths.
 Does anyone have any questions about the homework?
Closing
Please try to remember to fill these out and bring them
with you for next week.
Next week we will meet at the NAC lobby, and travel
together to the Park City Mountain Resort where we will
introduce sit skiing.
Thank you for coming every one! You all did great
today!
 Sequence Sheet

TPO EO Description Session Time

1 1 Group introduction, overview of last weeks technique work and homework 6 10 min

1 1 Actively bowling, at least 10 frames or until time runs out 6 40 min

1 2 During bowling participants will keep score on a score sheet 6 --

1 1&2 Processing questions 6 10 min

2 1 Community resources 6 10 min

2 1 Processing questions 6 10 min

2 2 Personal leisure resources 6 5 min

2 2 Processing questions 6 5 min

Total Time: 90 min

 Adaptive Sports Exploration Program: Performance Sheet Staff:
Date:
Session number: 6

Client Name TPO 1 EO 1 EO 2 TPO 2 EO 1 EO 2 Notes

5 - Objective exceeded

4 - Objective met

3 - Objective somewhat met

2 - Objective not met

1 - No participation
 Adaptive Sports Exploration Program: Progress Note Staff:
Date:
Session number: 6

Client Name Client Goal Rate Progress Note

5 - Objective exceeded

4 - Objective met

3 - Objective somewhat met

2 - Objective not met

1 - No participation