DISABILITY SPORTS.

Disabled or disability sports are played by persons with a disability, including physical and intellectual disabilities. Many of these are based on existing sports but modified to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, they are also referred to as adapted sports. Adapted sports - also called adaptive sports - are activities in which the equipment and rules have been modified just enough to allow handicapped people to participate. However, not all disabled sports are adapted, several sports that have been specifically created for persons with a disability have no equivalent in able-bodied sports.

Generally we observe many secondary health complications (obesity, high blood pressure, depression, respiratory failure, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease) in the challenged due to their inactive state. If they are encouraged to participate in sports, it will improve their physical as well as mental health.

These sports are called disability sports (Also called as Adaptive sports or Adapted Sports). In these sports, equipment and rules will be modified according to the physical condition of the participants. Some sports are created only for such people.


Before encouraging a challenged person to participate in a particular event, doctors can be consulted to find out whether his / her health condition allows him /her to participate. With the help of sports physiotherapists, occupational therapists and the coaches, modifications can be made to the particular sport event.

Ex: Sitting Volleyball, Sitting Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis, wheel chair dancing, swimming etc.

These sports can also be played collectively by normal as well as physically challenged people.

Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to improve the quality of life for the challenged.

Hydrotherapy (exercises under water, swimming) promotes free movements in all the joints due to the reduced weight under water, improves muscle tone, prevents undue stress on injured tissues, muscle and ligament relaxation, improves blood circulation (hastens recovery time from injuries).

The intensity of exercise needs to be adjusted according to the age and fitness of the person and is best supervised by a trained instructor or a physiotherapist.

Swimmers are reported to have a strong self-identity, strong competitive nature, and goal-oriented focus.It make them feel like they can achieve new heights for themselves.

Sporting activities provide them much needed exercise.For persons with a disability who require the use of adaptive devices (walkers, crutches, wheelchair),If people with disabilities are in good physical shape they would be able to use adaptive devices like walkers,wheelchairs and crutches easily and more effectively.They would feel less fatigue and even lesser risk to injuries.Athletes have healthier body fat to muscle ratio, decreased obesity, improved cardio-pulmonary functioning, and increased muscular strength and endurance. They show improved mobility, balance, and endurance.