The role of thriving in mental health among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Numerous pandemic-related stressors experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may have impacted their ability to thrive, which has been linked to mental health outcomes. The current study examined the associations among COVID-19 stressors, thriving, and mental health problems among youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

METHOD

Caregivers of 159 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities between 12 and 35 years of age from Canada completed an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

A mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 stressors were positively associated with mental health problems, and that thriving partially mediated this association.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that experiences of thriving may be an important target for mental health support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Revisiting Early Sport Specialization: What's the Problem?

Context:

The assumed risks of early specialization in sport are well known, with several international consensus statements advising against specialization in early athlete development. However, there have been recent calls for more focused research in this area.

Evidence Acquisition:

Research evidence from several scientific disciplines (eg, sport psychology, sports medicine, human development) were synthesized to develop a framework for practitioners working with adolescent athletes.

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

There appear to be risks associated with a highly specialized approach to athlete training, but the mechanisms driving these effects are largely unknown. Greater attention to understanding these mechanisms would help mitigate risk and develop stronger policy for athlete development. Recommendations for program modifications are provided.

Conclusion:

Early specialization remains an important topic for researchers and practitioners working with youth and adolescent athletes. However, more work needs to be done to provide truly evidence-based recommendations for youth athlete training.

What Defines Early Specialization: A Systematic Review of Literature

Introduction: While practitioners and organizations advise against early specialization, the lack of a consistent and clear definition of early specialization reduces the impact of recommendations and policies in youth sport. An important first step in understanding the consequences of early specialization is establishing what early specialization is. Objectives: This PRISMA-guided systematic review aimed to determine the types, characteristics, and general content of early specialization papers within the literature, and examine how early specialization has been defined and measured in order to advance knowledge toward a clear and consistent definition of early specialization. Data sources: Four different electronic databases were searched (SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Sports Medicine and Education Index, and Scopus). Both non data-driven and data-driven studies were included to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the literature. Eligibility Criteria: In order to be included in the review, the paper must: (a) Focus on specialization and explicitly use the term "specialization" (b) Focus on sport and athletes (c) Be papers from a peer-reviewed (d) Be in English. And finally, (e) be available in full text. Results: One thousand three hundred and seventy one articles were screened resulting in 129 articles included in the review after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results indicated a clear discrepancy between key components of early specialization and the approaches used to classify early specializers. Conclusion: Future research should work toward developing a valid and reliable approach to classifying early specializers and establishing a consistent definition across studies.

A-36 Understanding Parental Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Youth Sport-Related Concussion

Objective

The study objective was to examine parental knowledge of, and attitudes towards, youth sport-related concussion in a Canadian sample.

Method

A community sample of seventy-six families (n = 120 children) completed the study questionnaire comprised of demographic and sport history information, as well as questions about concussion knowledge (factual and perceived) and attitudes (i.e. concussion management and treatment attitudes). All participants had children actively involved in sport. Predominantly mothers completed the questionnaire (74%), and families ranged from one-to-three children (M age = 9 yr 5mth, SD = 2 yr 11mth).

Results

On average, parents achieved 76% accuracy on factual concussion knowledge (M = 21.19, SD = 2.55), with the majority (75%) perceiving their responses as accurate (perceived knowledge). Most parents displayed a favourable attitude toward concussion reporting and management (54/63; 85.7%). Families with low social risk status (SRS) had higher perceived knowledge compared to families with high SRS (t(60) = 2.29, p = .026), but not actual knowledge (p = .87). Mixed linear regression models were used to examine relationships between sociodemographic factors and concussion knowledge and attitudes. Higher SRS (F(1,74) = 9.60, p = .003) was related to lower perceived knowledge.

Conclusions

Families with higher SRS had less confidence in their youth sport-related concussion knowledge despite having accurate knowledge. Understanding sociodemographic factors associated with concussion attitudes and knowledge is an important first step for informing policies and keeping youth active in sports.

Individual and contextual predictors of retention in Special Olympics for youth with intellectual disability: who stays involved?

BACKGROUND

Despite the recognised benefits of sport, participation is often reported to be low for youth with intellectual disability (ID). The current study was the first to longitudinally examine sport retention in this population, a critical aspect of ensuring participation.

METHODS

Study participants were parents/caregivers of athletes with ID involved in community Special Olympics (SO), 11-22 years of age (N = 345). Participants completed an online survey in 2012 that included caregiver demographic and athlete intrapersonal, interpersonal and broader contextual variables. Retention rates for 2019 were determined using the SO provincial registration lists.

RESULTS

Of the 345 survey participants, 81.7% remained active athletes in 2019. Caregiver demographic and athlete intrapersonal factors were largely unrelated to retention. In contrast, retention was associated with the frequency and number of sports athletes participated in, the perceived psychosocial gains of SO involvement and the environmental supports that were available to facilitate participation; frequency of sport participation was the strongest predictor of remaining a registered athlete.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has implications for future initiatives aimed at increasing sport retention in a population that struggles to be engaged in sport. Efforts should focus on the athlete experience and sport-specific factors. Coaches and caregivers can foster positive experiences and play an important role in continued sport participation.

Using a think-aloud methodology to understand online physical activity information search experiences and preferences of parents of children and youth with disabilities

BACKGROUND

The Internet is a preferred source of physical activity (PA) information. However, limited research exists regarding the experiences of parents of children and youth with disabilities (CYWD) in searching for PA programme information online. This research examined the experiences and preferences of parents of CYWD in searching for PA programme information online.

METHOD

Parents of CYWD (n = 10) participated in a think-aloud exercise while searching for PA programme information online. Following the think-aloud exercise, semi-structured interviews were used to further understand parents' experiences and preferences in searching for PA programme information online.

RESULTS

Parents identified key features that contributed to a positive online search experience. Additionally, parents noted challenges and resulting negative affect that was experienced.

CONCLUSIONS

This research can inform the development and dissemination of online PA programme information that is accessible and relevant to the preferences of parents of CYWD and can facilitate positive search experiences.

Study protocol for a 2-year longitudinal study of positive youth development at an urban sport for development facility

BACKGROUND

Youth facing barriers created by social marginalization are at a greater risk of adverse health outcomes, lower educational and occupational attainment, and decreased overall quality of life as adults. The negative psychosocial and physiological consequences of significant barriers to positive development during youth may be mitigated by interventions promoting physical activity, psychosocial development, and healthy behaviours. Sport for Development programming is a possible opportunity for youth facing barriers to engage in activities that foster positive youth development, which may improve socioeconomic outcomes, quality of life and long-term health status in this population. This paper outlines the study protocol measuring impact of an urban Sport for Development facility on positive youth development in youth facing barriers.

METHODS/DESIGN

Participants aged 6-29 will be recruited from programs at an urban Sport for Development facility to a 2-year prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study. Participants will be stratified by age into three cohorts with age-specific outcomes. Age-specific positive youth development outcomes will be assessed quantitatively by self-report and pedometer at baseline and after 6 months, 1-year, and 2-years of program participation. Focus groups will provide data regarding youth experience and the impact of facility and program components on youth outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Our findings will inform best-practice and feasibility of a Sport for Development facility delivering programs in a socially and economically challenged urban setting in a high-income country.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN67016999. Date of registration: October 22, 2019.

More Than Self-Management: Positive Youth Development at an Inclusive Type 1 Diabetic Camp

Diabetes-focused camps emerged as a way to provide ongoing diabetes self-management education to youth and their families in a physically active context. Past research suggests participation at camp can enhance youths’ glycemic control and glucose monitoring abilities; however, recent studies claim camps can also offer psychological and social benefits. Drawing upon a positive youth development (PYD) approach, the current study examined an inclusive diabetic-focused youth sport camp to (a) identify life skills developed, and (b) explain processes and factors involved in youths’ development of life skills. Focus groups were conducted with 54 youth living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) attending an inclusive T1DM sport camp. The model of PYD through sport (Holt et al., 2017) guided the analysis. PYD outcomes (i.e., life skills developed through the camp) were (a) enhanced self-efficacy for self-monitoring of blood glucose, (b) enhanced self-efficacy for sport while living with T1DM, and (c) development of positive relationships. These outcomes were facilitated through the camp’s inclusive approach (i.e., including youth living with and without T1DM), and a PYD climate (implicitly), which included supportive relationships with counsellors and peers, and interestingly, the lack of parental involvement at the camp. The camp’s explicit life skills program focus (i.e., on diabetes self-care skills) also facilitated these outcomes. This study gives camp professionals insight into how an inclusive T1DM sport camp can facilitate life skills, and optimize PYD.

Trends in concussions at Ontario schools prior to and subsequent to the introduction of a concussion policy - an analysis of the Canadian hospitals injury reporting and prevention program from 2009 to 2016

BACKGROUND

Concussion is a preventable injury that can have long-term health consequences for children and youth. In Ontario, the Policy/Program Memorandum # 158 (PPM) was introduced by the Ministry of Education of Ontario in March 2014. The PPM's main purpose is to require each school board in the province to create and implement a concussion policy. The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in school-based concussions prior to and subsequent to the introduction of the PPM.

METHODS

This report examined emergency department (ED) visits in 5 Ontario hospitals that are part of the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), and compared trends over time in diagnosed concussions, and suspected concussions identified as "other head injury" in children and youth aged 4-18.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2016 study years, there were 21,094 suspected concussions, including 8934 diagnosed concussions in youth aged 4-18. The average number of diagnosed concussions in the 5 years before the PPM was 89 concussions/month, compared to approximately 117 concussions per month after; a 30% increase in the monthly rate of concussions presenting to the ED. The total number of concussion or head injury-related ED visits remained relatively unchanged but the proportion of diagnosed concussions rose from 31% in 2009 to 53% in 2016. The proportion of diagnosed concussions in females also increased from 38% in 2013 to 46% in 2016. The percent of all diagnosed concussions occurring at schools increased throughout the study reaching almost 50% in 2016 with most injuries taking place at the playground (24%), gymnasium (22%) or sports field (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the PPM may have contributed to a general increase in concussion awareness and an improvement in concussion identification at the school level in children and youth aged 4-18.

An interprovincial comparison of unintentional childhood injury rates in Canada for the period 2006-2012

OBJECTIVES

To perform an interprovincial comparison of unintentional population-based injury hospitalization and death rates for Canadian children ages 0-19 years and compare trends between 2006 and 2012.

METHODS

Annual population-based hospitalization rates per 100,000 from unintentional injuries were calculated for children/youth (< 19 years) using data from the Discharge Abstract Database between 2006 and 2012. Annual mortality rates were analyzed using provincial coronial data. The mean annual change in the rate of hospitalizations due to unintentional injuries was reported for each province.

RESULTS

The average annual rate of hospital admissions for unintentional injuries was 305.10 per 100,000 population between 2006 and 2012, and this decreased by - 11.91 over time (p < 0.01, - 15.85; - 7.77). Saskatchewan had the highest average annual morbidity rate (550.76 per 100,000) from all unintentional causes, and Ontario had the lowest average annual rate (238.89 per 100,000). Saskatchewan had the highest average annual rate for all subcauses except for drowning. Ontario was the only province with an average annual injury morbidity rate that was consistently below the Canadian average. The average annual mortality rate from all unintentional injury was highest in Saskatchewan (17.51 per 100,000) and lowest in Ontario (5.99 per 100,000) when compared to Canada (7.97 per 100,000).

CONCLUSION

Injury prevention policies vary considerably among provinces. Although the unintentional injury hospitalization rate is decreasing over time, some subcauses such as choking/suffocation have shown an increase in certain provinces. Evidence-based childhood injury prevention policies, such as playground equipment safety and four-sided pool fencing among others, should be standardized across Canada.

Psychosocial development through Masters sport: What can be gained from youth sport models?

Although sport participation is encouraged throughout the lifespan, little research has been conducted on the role of sport in development later in life. This qualitative study explored adults' experiences of development within the context of Masters sport. We interviewed 14 adults (nine men and five women) aged 46-61 years involved in Masters sport. Data was interpreted drawing upon frameworks from youth sport (i.e., Personal Assets Framework for Sport; Côté, J., Bruner, M., Strachan, L., Erickson, K., & Fraser-Thomas, J. (2010). Athletes' development and coaching. In J. Lyle & C. Cushion (Eds.), Sport coaching: Professionalism and practice (pp. 63-83). Oxford, UK: Elsevier, Côté, J., Turnnidge, J., & Evans, M. B. (2014). The dynamic process of development through sport. Kinesiologia Slovenica, 20(3), 14-26, Côté, J., Turnnidge, J., & Vieerima, M. (2016). A personal assets approach to youth sport. In K. Green & A. Smith (Eds.), Routledge handbook of youth sport (pp. 243-255). New York, NY: Routledge; 4/5Cs of positive youth development; Lerner, R. M., Fisher, C. B., & Weinberg, R. A. (2000). Toward a science for and of the people: Promoting civil society through the application of developmental science. Child Development, 71(1), 11-20. doi:10.1111/1467-8624.00113; Vierimaa, M., Erickson, K., Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2012). Positive youth development: A measurement framework for sport. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 7(3), 601-614. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.601), combined with past research on mid-life and older athletes. Six key themes emerged as contributing to adults' personal development through sport: competence and confidence, character, commitment, connection, cognition, and challenge. Masters sport contexts appeared to facilitate changes in assets (i.e., 6Cs) similar to those within youth sport, but assets often held different meanings within the context of later life. Applying frameworks from youth sport and developmental psychology to Masters sport contexts appears useful. The current findings support the modification of existing models and highlight their potential in identifying lifelong developmental outcomes of sport participation.

Patterns of sport participation for youth with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

Little is known about sport participation in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current study examined sport characteristics (frequency, diversity, positive social experiences [PSE]) for youth with ASD and intellectual disability compared to youth with intellectual disability alone and explored the personal and contextual correlates of involvement.

METHOD

Parents (N = 409) completed an online survey, and multiple mediation analyses were used to examine the factors that explained the relationships between sport involvement in youth with ASD and intellectual disability.

RESULTS

No significant main effects of ASD status were found for frequency or diversity, but youth with intellectual disability alone had higher scores for PSE compared to youth with ASD and intellectual disability. Sociocommunicative abilities, coach relationship and resources mediated the relationship between ASD status and PSE.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the factors related to sport is essential for allowing families, service providers and policy makers to improve involvement for youth with ASD.

Factors associated with using research evidence in national sport organisations

The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with the use of research evidence in Canadian National Sport Organisations (NSOs). Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews with 21 representatives from Canadian NSOs. A qualitative description approach was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to an inductive-to-deductive thematic analysis. A research implementation framework (Rycroft-Malone, 2004) was used to organise inductively derived themes into the higher-order categories of evidence (use of evidence, disconnection between research and practice), context (lack of capacity, organisational structure), and facilitation (personal connections with researchers and sport scientists, formal meetings with stakeholders). Overall, NSO representatives did not have a clear understanding of evidence and lacked capacity to access and translate research. However, some context factors, along with internal and external facilitators, were in place and could be used to enhance research implementation.

Relational developmental systems metatheory: a conceptual framework to understand and promote older adults' involvement in sport

Sport is viewed as a vehicle to develop or augment adaptive developmental processes, resources, and experiences across the lifespan. However, research has acknowledged that sport participation is associated with costs as well as benefits in older adulthood. To fully understand the influence of sport participation on psychosocial and developmental outcomes in older people, insight into the dynamic and complex relationship between the individual and his/her environment is needed. This review proposes Relational Developmental Systems (RDS) metatheory as a conceptual framework to understand the outcomes of sport participation later in life. Knowledge of the mechanisms, processes, and bi-directional exchanges related to individual and contextual relations emphasised in RDS frameworks may help researchers gain an understanding of the means by which sport participation shapes developmental outcomes evident within and among older athletes. Key assumptions of the metatheory are introduced and discussed in relation to the sport setting. Specific examples from the literature on older athletes are presented to illustrate the relationship between individual and contextual factors on developmental outcomes. Finally, considerations for future research on the topic are proposed using an RDS lens to move the field forward.

Leisure-time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Older People: The Influence of Sport Involvement on Behaviour Patterns in Later Life

Given the dramatic demographic change underway in most industrialized nations, the health of older adults is a major concern, particularly given the prevalence of sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity among ageing populations. Researchers have suggested sport participation in later life promotes other health-related behaviours, however, these relationships are poorly understood. It is possible for individuals to be classified as sufficiently active and still spend most of their day involved in sedentary pursuits. Moreover, there is little information on older sport participants' use of time compared to leisurely active or inactive peers and whether type of physical activity involvement is associated with differences in older adults' behaviour patterns. With this in mind, data from 1,723 respondents (65 years and older) who completed the sport module of the 2010 Canadian General Social Survey-Time Use were used to investigate the influence of physical activity involvement (competitive sport vs. non-competitive sport vs. physically active leisure vs. inactivity) on time spent in leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Results indicated that competitive sport participants spent less time engaging in sedentary behaviours compared to the physically active leisure or inactive respondents; however, sport participants (both competitive and non-competitive) also spent less time engaging in leisure-time physical activities than the physically active leisure group. Implications of these findings to assumptions related to the activity levels of older sport participants, suggestions for future research, and considerations for sport-related interventions aimed at enhancing health in older adulthood are discussed.

A grounded theory of positive youth development through sport based on results from a qualitative meta-study

The overall purpose of this study was to create a model of positive youth development (PYD) through sport grounded in the extant qualitative literature. More specifically, the first objective was to review and evaluate qualitative studies of PYD in sport. The second objective was to analyze and synthesize findings from these studies. Following record identification and screening, 63 articles were retained for analysis. Meta-method analysis revealed strengths of studies were the use of multiple data collection and validity techniques, which produced high-quality data. Weaknesses were limited use of 'named' methodologies and inadequate reporting of sampling procedures. Philosophical perspectives were rarely reported, and theory was used sparingly. Results of an inductive meta-data analysis produced three categories: PYD climate (adult relationships, peer relationships, and parental involvement), life skills program focus (life skill building activities and transfer activities), and PYD outcomes (in personal, social, and physical domains). A model that distinguishes between implicit and explicit processes to PYD is presented.

Understanding Youths’ Experiences in a Holistic Weight Management Program

Given elevated levels of overweight/obesity among today’s youth (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008), and associated negative physical, emotional, and psychological consequences (e.g., Faith, et al., 1997; Must & Anderson, 2003), weight control programs must be critically examined. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of youths’ experiences in a commercially available weight management program with a holistic approach. Participants included four purposefully sampled male and female youth aged 10-18, engaged in a 16-week program. Participants engaged in a semi-structured interview exploring their experiences within the program. Results indicated youth experienced positive development in the areas of physical, psychological and social skills, and highlighted specific mechanisms by which the program facilitated this development including the holistic approach, parent and peer engagement, and the required work ethic. Youth also reported negative experiences due to lack of autonomy, not reaching weight loss goals, and low enjoyment. Practical implications and future research directions are discussed.

Sport participation and positive development in older persons

In many Western countries, more and more people are living longer. As part of this demographic shift, increasing numbers are participating in Masters sport. In the past, sport was considered important for the development of young people; however, the potential for sport participation to affect positive development across the lifespan is now recognized. The purpose of this paper is to introduce conceptual frameworks from developmental psychology that are being used to understand youths’ positive development through sport, and to explore these frameworks in the context of sport as an avenue for positive development in older persons. To achieve this aim, we outline research on sport participation as it applies to youth development and consider relevant aspects as they broadly apply to development later in life. This discussion highlights the inherent paradox of sport participation—that it has the potential to provide considerable positive growth but also the potential for significant negative consequences. Finally, we explore areas of future research related to positive development in older persons through sport.