Investigating adaptive sport participation for adults aged 50 years or older with spinal cord injury or disease: A descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Context: Spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) can lead to health challenges that are exacerbated with aging. Adaptive sport is understood to provide health benefits for the SCI/D population. Prior literature investigating adaptive sport in this population pertains to adults with SCI/D who are <50 years of age. However, most Canadians with SCI/D are >50 years of age.

Objectives: This study aimed to: (1) Compare demographics of those who do and do not participate in adaptive sport; (2) Describe the characteristics of adaptive sport that adults aged ≥50 years with SCI/D participate in; and (3) Identify barriers and facilitators to adaptive sport participation in this age group.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out using an online survey. Analytical statistics were used to address objective one, while descriptive statistics were employed for objectives two and three.

Participants: Responses from 72 adults aged ≥50 years, residing in Canada, living with a SCI/D for >6 months were included in the analysis.

Results: Findings revealed that adaptive sport participants aged ≥50 years with SCI/D were more likely to identify as men, be younger individuals (50-59 years), and report greater satisfaction with physical health (P < 0.05). Adaptive sport participants most commonly played individual sports at the recreational level. Common barriers pertained to physical capacity, travel, and COVID-19; common facilitators included social support, desire to improve health, and having friends/peers who also participate.

Conclusion: Future research should investigate strategies to enhance facilitators and mitigate barriers to adaptive sport participation in order to improve access.