Understanding quality participation: exploring ideal physical activity outcomes for military veterans with a physical disability

ABSTRACTIndividuals with disabilities do not experience full participation in society. Research suggests that a focus on quantity as opposed to quality of participation may be responsible for this disparity. The Quality Parasport Participation Framework was developed to fill this gap by highlighting the PA program conditions and elements indicative of quality experiences. The aim of the current study was to fill remaining knowledge gaps by (a) exploring what outcomes military veterans with physical disabilities link to quality PA experiences, and (b) determining what contexts may foster these outcomes. Military veterans with physical disabilities (n= 18) took part in semi-structured interviews. Data analyses consisted of two phases. In phase one, an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to generate PA outcomes linked to quality experiences. In phase two, an inductive thematic analysis identified contexts that may foster quality outcomes, while a deductive thematic analysis determined potential linkages to the Quality Parasport Participation Framework. Three overarching outcomes were linked to quality experiences: PA promotes psychological benefits, the importance of social and societal growth, and opportunities for advancement. These findings advance knowledge by identifying the subjective perspectives of veterans with physical disabilities regarding specific outcomes indicative of quality experiences, as well as how these outcomes may be fostered within quality PA programs. Knowledge of which outcomes are indicative of quality PA experience is necessary to promote full PA participation. Results provide a foundation for research exploring how to optimally deliver and evaluate adapted PA programming.