Adaptive Sport Participation in the Pediatric Population Current Concept Review

Abstract

Adaptive sports are designed to enable children with disabilities to participate in athletic activities. The physical and mental health benefits of sports participation have been well documented and involvement in adaptive sports allows children with disabilities to experience these positive effects. In recent years the available knowledge of the physical, mental, and psychosocial effects of sports specific to disabled athletes has grown.  Clinicians, parents, and athletes should be aware of the facilitators and barriers to adaptive sport, to have the most efficacious experience. While athletes and parents are eager to start these activities, the purpose of this article is to provide a review on adaptive sports and recommendations for appropriate medical evaluations for aspiring athletes with disabilities.