European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 16, 6 (2023) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2022.010

Using a university service-learning program to explore the experiences of older adult participants with physical disabilities

Gardenia Juarez¹, Josephine Blagrave², Luciana Zuest³, Kevin Patton^2*

¹ University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA

² California State University, Chico, CA, USA

³ Towson University, MD, USA

Researchers have investigated older adults without physical disabilities in various physical activity (PA) programs. However, few studies have focused on older adults with physical disabilities. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have explored the experiences of this population in a university service-learning program. To that end, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults with physical disabilities in a physical activity university service-learning program. A qualitative research design was used to explore the experiences of six adults with physical disabilities using open-ended interviews, program observations, and case file examinations. Participant responses fell into three themes: 1) Positive mental health; 2) Physical competence and confidence; and 3) Program vibe. In this exploratory study, adults with physical disabilities perceived both physical and mental benefits from participating in a physical activity service-learning program.

Keywords: adapted physical activity; qualitative research; interview; kinesiology; higher education service learning

Received: September 28, 2021; Revised: May 20, 2022; Accepted: July 19, 2022; Prepublished online: September 17, 2022; Published online: August 30, 2023  Show citation