Authors: A. Lewis
https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-09-2022-74512728-jmvh-vol-30-no-3/
Abstract
Background
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Adaptive Sports Program offers participation in recreational and competitive sports to wounded, injured or ill veterans to support rehabilitation, recovery and social reintegration. There has been limited research on the impact of sport participation on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of current and former serving ADF veterans.
Purpose
This study was designed to investigate the effects of adaptive sports program participation on individuals’ physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Material and methods
Ethics approval was granted from the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee. A survey was sent to 210 ADF Adaptive Sports Program participants in training camps for preselection for the Invictus Games and Warrior Games 2018–2020. Survey questions invited participants to reflect on their involvement in the program over the previous 2 years.
Results
Responses were received from 29% of program participants. Among the 60 respondents, 78% reported greater engagement in physical activity after participation, and 89% reported that they had experienced a positive effect on their rehabilitation pathway.
Conclusion
These preliminary findings demonstrate that the Adaptive Sports Program increases physical activity and supports rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration for engaged participants competing in local and international events. However, further research is needed to identify outcomes in the wider group of program participants and confirm that the program is an effective strategy for supporting wounded, injured and ill veterans.