African Journal of Disability最新文献

{"title":"Injury profile, prevalence and risk factors among South African Para-athletes.","authors":"Siyabonga H Kunene","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1840","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Para-athletes are at heightened risk of sports-related injuries due to sport-specific demands, disability types and environmental exposures. Despite global research, limited data exist on injury profiles in low-resource settings such as South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To profile injuries, determine their prevalence and identify associated risk factors among South African Para-athletes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 South African Para-athletes (response rate: 74.14%) using a self-developed questionnaire. Data on demographics, disability type, sporting history, injury history and risk factors were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 86 Para-athletes (median age 27 years), limb deficiency was the most common impairment (50%) and athletics (44%) the leading sport. Athletes trained 5.3 sessions per week and competed 3.4 days/quarter; adapted environments were significantly more common in men (67% vs. 33%, <i>p</i> = 0.015). Median injuries over 12 months were three, mainly in the lower quadrant (74%, <i>p</i> = 0.617), with strains (34%) and sprains (24%) most frequent. Multivariable analysis showed that swimming (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.010) and strength training (OR = 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were strong protective factors against injury. In contrast, skipping a warm-up during training significantly increased injury risk (OR = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-7.9, <i>p</i> = 0.011), with athletes who did not warm up being more than three times as likely to sustain an injury compared with those who performed a warm-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>South African Para-athletes experience a substantial injury burden, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies and improved access to rehabilitation and education.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides the first comprehensive injury profile of South African Para-athletes, informing inclusive, evidence-based interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1840"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparing autistic workers in work adjustment: Employer and employee perspective analysis.","authors":"May L Elfina","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1794","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1794","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The value of diversity in human resources, particularly empowering employees with disabilities as assets, has been investigated by industry. Even in an era of economic expansion, the existence of workers with disabilities, particularly those with autism, is stigmatised.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to understand how employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) adjust their work and how their employers view their performance.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Mixed method design is the method used in this study. By purposive sampling, three employees with ASD were chosen as the main subjects, and their degree of job adjustment was assessed using the Work Adjustment Illinois Scale (WAIS). Three employers were also interviewed in depth to get qualitative data. Validity, reliability and normality checks were all part of quantitative analysis. Work Adjustment Illinois Scale scores are also categorised using a statistical method (mean ± standard deviation) before qualitative analysis is performed using the interactive analysis method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results show that the majority of workers with ASD exhibited moderate to high degrees of work adjustment. Self-confidence, the necessity of structural modification, and the significance of employer comprehension were among the themes that surfaced from the processing of the qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Workers with ASD are able to make good work adjustments when facilitated with work adjustments from both the individual themselves and support from their workplace.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>In order to support the continued professional success of people with ASD, the study highlights the necessity of inclusive work rules and training for supervisors and coworkers to support the wellbeing of workers with autism.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058490/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing implementation strategies for the framework and strategy for disability and rehabilitation in South Africa: An approach using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change framework.","authors":"Naeema A R Reis, Sonti Pilusa, Natalie Benjamin-Damons, Juliana Kagura","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1804","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The expiry of South Africa's Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation (FSDR) created an opportunity to critically assess its effectiveness, strengths and limitations to inform the development of a new disability and rehabilitation policy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>As the primary gap in the FSDR related to weak implementation rather than policy intent, this study aimed to develop evidence-informed implementation strategies. Findings from a document review, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were triangulated and guided by the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive qualitative design was used. Four focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders involved in FSDR implementation to reach consensus on practical strategies to strengthen implementation. Data were analysed using combined inductive and deductive thematic approaches, and identified strategies were mapped to the ERIC framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven themes were identified as key determinants of implementation success or failure: limited awareness and training; resource constraints; poor interdepartmental collaboration; weak governance and policy buy-in; inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems; the need for context-specific approaches; and ongoing professional development. Stakeholders actively contributed to refining strategies within each thematic area.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight critical implementation gaps in training, governance, resources and collaboration. Addressing these through targeted, contextually appropriate strategies can strengthen future disability and rehabilitation policy implementation and improve service delivery in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study offers a roadmap for improving disability and rehabilitation policy implementation and can inform both future policy planning and clinical service delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1804"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiotherapists' challenges with implementing the policy to Screen, Identify, Assess, and Support learners with physical disabilities.","authors":"Makwena M Sibuyi, Desmond Mathye, Muziwakhe D Tshabalala, Nombeko Mshunqane","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1881","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Challenges persist in implementing the policy to Screen, Identify, Assess, and Support (SIAS) individuals with physical disabilities, particularly in rural provinces of South Africa. The challenges are compounded by the existing imbalance in the distribution of physiotherapists where the majority work in the health sector. However, physiotherapists are well-equipped to assess functional limitations and adapt school environments to support inclusive learning and participation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study explored the challenges physiotherapists experienced in implementing the policy to SIAS learners with physical disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Seven physiotherapists employed by the provincial Department of Education participated in a qualitative, single exploratory case study utilising virtual focus group discussions. Data were analysed with a six-step approach to inductive thematic data analysis on ATLAS.ti version 19 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two overarching themes with sub-themes emerged: (1) Poor knowledge of the SIAS policy as a result of lack of in-service training and fear of transfers through the Rationalisation and Redeployment policy; and (2) lack of interprofessional collaboration because of unclear roles and responsibilities, and absence of support structures with regard to the School-Based Support Teams, Circuit-Based Support Teams, and District-Based Support Teams.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ongoing in-service training, defining roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists and improving the functioning of support structures are essential for effective policy implementation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study bridges the gap in research on the participation of physiotherapists within the SIAS policy framework. Participation of physiotherapists would optimise support for learners and improve educational outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1881"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment accommodations for autistic learners in South African schools: Stakeholder perspectives.","authors":"Yvonne Nell, Alta Kritzinger, Marien A Graham, Renata Eccles","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1803","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autistic learners benefit from demonstrating academic knowledge with the help of assessment accommodations, guided by South African examination policies, such as the <i>National Policy Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of Examinations and Assessment for the National Senior Certificate Examination</i>. However, stakeholder perspectives on accommodations remain under-explored.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored stakeholder perspectives (autistic adults, caregivers, educators, psychologists, speech-language therapists and occupational therapists) on assessment accommodations for autistic learners in South African schools.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A web-based questionnaire was distributed nationally to professionals and caregivers (<i>n</i> = 92). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were thematically coded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stakeholders reported a persistent policy-practice disconnect, with educators lacking the knowledge of accommodation policies, as well as the training to implement accommodations, particularly for autistic learners. Similarly, current policies do not adequately accommodate the needs related to sensory regulation and anxiety. Considerable variability emerged in accommodation preferences, reflecting both the heterogeneity of autistic learners and the differences across stakeholder groups. Respondents also prioritised universal design elements such as simplified language, redundancy and clearer assessment layouts, which are not currently considered in South African policy. Overall, findings highlight the need for expanded and individually tailored assessment accommodations informed by diverse stakeholder input.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight a disconnect between policy and practice. Broader autism-specific accommodations are crucial to support equitable assessment conditions in South African schools, especially for learners with sensory and communication challenges.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides insight into stakeholder experiences and suggests that current assessment policies may inadvertently exclude autistic learners. The findings support the need for inclusive, contextually relevant assessment strategies. The contribution aligns with the focus of the journal on disability inclusion by advancing evidence-based recommendations that promote full participation of neurodivergent learners in education systems, particularly within under-resourced and diverse settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1803"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From silence to sound: A journey through hearing loss, advocacy and academia.","authors":"Hanri Kriel, Maria M Kriel-Kruger","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1822","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1822","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1822"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developmental profiles of infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy at a tertiary hospital in South Africa.","authors":"Ayanda Myaka-Gama, Sibongile Mbatha, Sarah Lowick, Kebashni Thandrayen, Firdose L Nakwa","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1729","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common cause of neonatal death and severe neurological deficit in children, contributing to medico-legal litigation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with moderate and severe HIE at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the proportions with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and complications. To explore the effect of HIE severity and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on neurodevelopmental outcome.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective, descriptive study at the Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Clinic included 239 infants with moderate and severe HIE, between 2015 and 2020. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed by using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales at 1 year. General Quotient (GQ) scores defined NDI. Clinical and investigation criteria determined those with neurological complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 239 infants, 211 (88.3%) and 28 (11.7%) had moderate HIE and severe HIE, respectively. Cerebral palsy (CP) was diagnosed in 9.2% and NDI in 17.1%. Severe HIE infants had significantly higher rates of NDI and CP, 50% (14) and 21.4% (6) respectively, as compared to those of moderate HIE infants, who had 12.7% (27) NDI and 7.6% (16) CP; 152(72%) moderate and 14 (50%) severe HIE infants received TH. Those who received TH were less likely to have NDI (<i>p</i> = 0.005), CP (<i>p</i> = 0.002), epilepsy and visual impairment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Developmental scores at 1 year of age were in the average range for the cohort, with equivalent profiles across domains. Those with severe HIE had the worst outcomes. Therapeutic hypothermia was associated with decreased CP and NDI in both groups.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This report supports the use of TH as a neuroprotective strategy in stage 2 and 3 HIE, highlighting the need for neurodevelopmental assessments at 2 years and beyond to determine longer-term outcomes and subtle deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1729"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Third-party disability: An analysis of speech-language therapists' experiences in adult dysphagia management in South Africa.","authors":"Kim Coutts, Daniella Meyerowitz","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1841","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dysphagia, a swallowing impairment, has left people in need of assistance and care. Therefore, the lives of caregivers to those individuals with dysphagia change drastically. There is scarce research about the difficulties experienced by caregivers in caring for their loved ones with dysphagia, a phenomenon known as third-party disability (TPD).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored Speech Language Therapists' (SLTs') experiences with caregivers when managing adult patients living with dysphagia in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study made use of a qualitative approach through an online survey with an optional follow-up interview using an adapted framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. Thirteen participants took part in the survey and two completed the follow-up online interview. Data were analysed using a top-down thematic analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Third-party caregivers receive counselling at various times with different content because of the lack of a standardised counselling protocol. Furthermore, using the ICF framework, the article identified that environmental, and contextual factors contribute to TPD. However, not all ICF components were applicable, and additional relevant factors were not captured.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding SLTs' experiences in managing TPD in the adult dysphagia population was achieved.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributes to literature regarding TPD of adult patients living with dysphagia and has captured the role of the SLT in managing TPD in diverse settings across South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1841"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disability, spirituality and the politics of belonging in postcolonial Zimbabwe.","authors":"Nomatter Sande","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1720","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Zimbabwe, disability is defined and explained from a cultural, African indigenous religion and spirituality. These perspectives are sources of exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) from important social positions, economic empowerment, rites of passage and ceremonies.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explores the politics of disability and belonging in Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Using Marco Antonsich's conceptualisation of place-belongingness and the politics of belonging, data are collected through qualitative desktop methodology, which explores how people with disabilities in Zimbabwe make emotional connections with communal spaces while being excluded from them.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study findings show the struggles for PWD to belong to religious or spiritual practices and cultural and economic spaces in Zimbabwe. The conventional concept of Ubuntu, which calls for interconnection of humans, provides hope to include PWD as part of the community. Disability in Zimbabwe is not one thing; the experiences of PWD are influenced by overlapping identities (such as gender, class and religion). The legacy of colonialism is visible in the spatial exclusion of the PWD, especially in the urban informal settlements, which sustain the pre-existing trends of exclusion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concludes that belonging and belongingness of PWD should be within the grassroots movements and Ubuntu ethics, which encourage humaneness.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributes to policy changes informed by decolonised disability justice, participatory governance and the integration of Ubuntu principles to create a more inclusive citizenship and a stronger communal belonging for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1720"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of episodic future thinking on sports mental resilience and social inclusion among wheelchair tennis players.","authors":"Bhuvaneshwar Siva, Om Prakash Palanivel, Kiran Gajendran, Chinnavan Elanchezhian, Stella Rajkumar, Sathish Kumar Sadagobane, Arun Prakash Krishna Moorthy, Charulatha Ganeshkumar, Jeevarathinam Thirumalai","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1819","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1819","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The intricate process of ensuring equitable access to opportunities, resources and connections through social inclusion promotes social interaction. Resilience is frequently associated with these variances, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is one of the most crucial components of athletic success. Episodic future thinking (EFT) is the capacity to visualise oneself in the future, establishing a link between one's present and future selves, promoting resilience and social integration.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the impact of EFT on sports mental resilience and social inclusion among wheelchair tennis players. To assess the social inclusion and mental resilience of wheelchair tennis players.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This was a randomised controlled trial and employed a convenience sampling technique to recruit 36 wheelchair tennis players. It was divided into two groups: the Experimental group: EFT combined with strengthening exercises and the conventional group: Counselling combined with strengthening exercises. This study was formally registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR) under the registration number TCTR20250310008.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 36 wheelchair tennis players with findings on Social Inclusion and Sports Mental Resilience were included, with 18 in the experimental group and 18 in the conventional group. Both groups were comparable in post-mean values. The experimental group showed statistically significant results compared to the conventional group (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study concludes that while both EFT and conventional training improve sports' mental resilience and social inclusion.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The combination of EFT with strengthening exercises is slightly more effective than conventional training.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1819"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}