Physiotherapy in Adapted Sports and Rehabilitation of Adapted Physical Activity
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 26 a Anninmuizas boulevard, rk@rsu.lv, +371 20271291
About Study Course
Objective
To enable students to acquire knowledge of the planning, implementation and application of adapted physical activities and sports in the rehabilitation process by developing skills to evaluate and adapt physical activities for people with functional disabilities, as well as to understand the possibilities for the use of modern solutions, including technologies, in educating patients and implementing the effective rehabilitation process.
Preliminary Knowledge
Sports medicine; sports theory; sports physiology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.1. Understands the fundamental principles of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and their role in physiotherapy, as well as the principles of professional ethics. 2. Has knowledge of the biomechanics of adapted sports, as well as the use of various technical aids and specialized equipment in the implementation of APA. 3. Understands the principles of inclusive environments and universal design, as well as the importance of environmental adaptations in promoting physical activity among different population groups. 4. Understands the possibilities of using digital technologies in physiotherapy, including VR/AR and other digital tools, in physical activity and rehabilitation processes.
Student independent work
Skills
1.1. Understands the fundamental principles of Adapted Physical Activity (APA), their role in physiotherapy, and the principles of professional ethics, and is able to assess an individual's functioning and adapt activity programs to individual needs. 2. Has knowledge of the biomechanics of adapted sports, technical aids, and equipment, and is able to design and implement an individual APA program by selecting appropriate exercises and equipment. 3. Understands the principles of inclusive environments, universal design, and environmental adaptations, and is able to evaluate and apply technical and digital solutions to ensure safe and effective physical activity for different population groups. 4. Is able to educate patients about the importance and safe application of APA, and organize APA activities in various settings, such as gyms, outdoor environments, or aquatic settings.
Final test
Competences
1.1. Is able to make independent decisions and develop APA plans, providing health-safe solutions while considering different functional impairments. 2. Demonstrates a professional and ethical attitude when working with individuals with varying functional impairments, promoting their social inclusion and participation. 3. Is able to integrate modern approaches and digital tools (e.g., VR/AR, mobile applications) in the rehabilitation process, adapting them to individual needs. 4. Is able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team and apply adapted sports principles in practice within healthcare settings and the community.
Final test
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Student independent work |
60.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Independently analyze a case of a person with functional impairments (case study or video), evaluating their possibilities for social inclusion, environmental accessibility, adapted sports participation, technical aids, emotional state, and physiotherapist–patient interaction. Independently study an adapted sport or APA method, assessing its suitability for different functional impairments, possible technical aids and technology applications, and prepare a brief literature review on current trends in APA (technology use, motivation enhancement, inclusive environment principles). |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Final test |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Principles of APA planning and implementation for individuals with different functional impairments. Adaptation of technical aids and specialized equipment to individual needs. Characteristics of adapted sports and safety/ergonomics principles. Motivation, psychosocial factors, and inclusive environment principles supporting participation in physical activity. Modern approaches and technology use (digital tools, VR/AR, mobile applications). |
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and functional impairments
Description
Includes: APA significance, levels, terminology, impact of functional impairments on participation |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and functional impairments
Description
Includes: APA significance, levels, terminology, impact of functional impairments on participation |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA planning and assessment
Description
Includes: program planning, individual APA plan development, goal and method selection |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA planning and assessment
Description
Includes: program planning, individual APA plan development, goal and method selection |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA content and adapted sports
Description
Includes: exercise selection, biomechanics of sports, suitability for different functional impairments |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA content and adapted sports
Description
Includes: exercise selection, biomechanics of sports, suitability for different functional impairments |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Technical aids and equipment adaptation
Description
Includes: wheelchairs, orthoses, prostheses, and adaptation of equipment for individual needs and activities |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Technical aids and equipment adaptation
Description
Includes: wheelchairs, orthoses, prostheses, and adaptation of equipment for individual needs and activities |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA activity organization and inclusive environment
Description
Includes: conducting activities in various settings, universal design principles, accessibility, and safety |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA activity organization and inclusive environment
Description
Includes: conducting activities in various settings, universal design principles, accessibility, and safety |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychosocial aspects and motivation in APA
Description
Includes: emotional state, social inclusion, patient motivation |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern technologies in APA and physiotherapy
Description
Includes: VR/AR, digital tools, mobile platforms, wearables |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Modern technologies in APA and physiotherapy
Description
Includes: VR/AR, digital tools, mobile platforms, wearables |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and functional impairments
Description
Includes: APA significance, levels, terminology, impact of functional impairments on participation |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and functional impairments
Description
Includes: APA significance, levels, terminology, impact of functional impairments on participation |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA planning and assessment
Description
Includes: program planning, individual APA plan development, goal and method selection |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA planning and assessment
Description
Includes: program planning, individual APA plan development, goal and method selection |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA content and adapted sports
Description
Includes: exercise selection, biomechanics of sports, suitability for different functional impairments |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA content and adapted sports
Description
Includes: exercise selection, biomechanics of sports, suitability for different functional impairments |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Technical aids and equipment adaptation
Description
Includes: wheelchairs, orthoses, prostheses, and adaptation of equipment for individual needs and activities |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Technical aids and equipment adaptation
Description
Includes: wheelchairs, orthoses, prostheses, and adaptation of equipment for individual needs and activities |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
APA activity organization and inclusive environment
Description
Includes: conducting activities in various settings, universal design principles, accessibility, and safety |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
APA activity organization and inclusive environment
Description
Includes: conducting activities in various settings, universal design principles, accessibility, and safety |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychosocial aspects and motivation in APA
Description
Includes: emotional state, social inclusion, patient motivation |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Modern technologies in APA and physiotherapy
Description
Includes: VR/AR, digital tools, mobile platforms, wearables |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Modern technologies in APA and physiotherapy
Description
Includes: VR/AR, digital tools, mobile platforms, wearables |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Kļaviņa, A. Kursa „Pielāgotās fiziskās aktivitātes fiziskajā rehabilitācijā” materiāli.
Eiropas standarti pielāgotās fiziskās aktivitātēs. (2010). 36 – 47.lpp. (akceptējams izdevums)
World Health Organization (WHO).(2021). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health for People with Disabilities. Geneva: WHO.
Rimmer, J. H., & Rowland, J. L. (2008). Health promotion for people with disabilities: Implications for empowering the person and promoting disability-friendly environments. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2(5), 409–420. (akceptējams izdevums)
Additional Reading
Sherrill, C. (2004). Adapted physical activity, recreation and sports Crossdisciplinary and lifespan (6th ed.). McGraw Hill
Block M.E. (2016). A teachers guide to adapted physical education. Including students with disability in Sports and recreation (4th ed.). Paul H.Brookes
Winnick J.P. (2011). Adapted physical education and sport (5th ed). Human Kinetics
Kasser, S. L., & Lytle, R. K. (2013). Inclusive physical activity: A lifetime of opportunities. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics.
DePauw, K. P., & Doll-Tepper, G. (Eds.). (2022). Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly – selected articles. Human Kinetics.
Hutzler, Y., & Sherrill, C. (2016). Disability, physical activity, psychological well-being and empowerment: A life-span perspective. Quest, 68(3), 356–372.
Jaarsma, E. A., & Smith, B. (2018). Promoting physical activity for disabled people who are ready to become physically active: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 37, 205–223.
Chen, A., & Martin, J. J. (2021). Virtual reality and wearable technology in adapted physical activity and rehabilitation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 648.