Identifying the Fundamental Movement Skills for Pediatric Manual Wheelchair Users: A Step Towards the Development of Inclusive Physical Education and Social Participation

Project description
Pediatric manual wheelchair users do not meet the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines. Consequences are significant in terms of physical, emotional and cognitive health and impact not only childhood, but also adulthood. In Québec, approximately 32% of French-speaking schools do not meet the recommended minutes of physical education. It is likely that pediatric manual wheelchair users receive even less physical education than their typically developing peers. It is also likely that the physical education that they do receive is not adapted to their specific needs.

 Objectives
This project has the objectives of 1) describing the current physical education curricula provided in Québec regular and specialized schools to pediatric manual wheelchair users and 2) identifying the fundamental wheelchair skills required for this population using a survey (objective 1) and qualitative interviews (objective 2). It will provide the data required to advance knowledge in these areas and will be the catalyst for improving physical activity, mobility and ultimately social participation of pediatric manual wheelchair users.

Milestones

1- Ethics application

2- Develop survey (including pilot), conduct survey and analyze survey data

3- Develop qualitative interview guide, conduct interviews and analyze interview data

4- Write articles (2) for publication in scientific journal

5- Write lay publications for knowledge translation purposes (ex: to be submitted to teachers’ organizations for publication in social media [e.g., blogs, online newsletters] and present at conferences

Created on: June 20, 2019