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Research Article
Issue Date: May/June 2001
Published Online: May 01, 2001
Updated: April 30, 2020
The Effect of Sports on Level of Community Integration as Reported by Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Carolyn Schmidt Hanson; David Nabavi; Hon Keung Yuen
Author Affiliations
  • Carolyn Schmidt Hanson, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, PO Box 100164, Gainesville, Florida 32610; chanson@hp.ufl.edu
  • David Nabavi, MHS, OTR/L, is Manager, CSR Rinker, Orlando, Florida
  • Hon Keung Yuen, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Spinal Cord Injury / Physical Abilities Outcomes
Research Article   |   May 01, 2001
The Effect of Sports on Level of Community Integration as Reported by Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2001, Vol. 55, 332-338. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.3.332
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2001, Vol. 55, 332-338. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.3.332
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Abstract

Objective.The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in sports by persons with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) affected level of community integration as defined by the World Health Organization and as measured by the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART).

Method.Forty-eight participants were recruited from a camp for persons with physical disabilities as well as from SCI support groups. Participants were divided into groups of athletes (n = 30) and nonathletes (n = 18) on the basis of their self-reported level of sports participation.

Results.Athletes scored significantly higher on four of five subsections of the CHART (physical independence, mobility, occupation, social integration), indicating greater levels of community integration than nonathletes.

Conclusion.These findings extend the literature outlining the physical and psychological benefits of sports. Occupational therapists have a unique opportunity to use the occupation of sports to integrate the roots of the profession with the cultural demands of society.