Revolutionizing Adapted Physical Activity for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: Examining the Health Impact of and Promoting Sitting Light Volleyball in the Greater Bay Area

People with physical disabilities (PWPD) are more susceptible to physical inactivity, leaving them more vulnerable to lower health and fitness levels than their physically able-bodied peers. Importantly, PWPD numbers in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland have tripled over the last 20 years. In 2018, the principal coordinator co-developed a new adapted physical activity, Sitting Light Volleyball (SLVB), which combines Paralympic sitting volleyball and light volleyball with PWPDs, as well as to examine the effectiveness of an SLVB intervention on health outcomes among PWPDs in Hong Kong. The SLVB group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, body composition, and physical activity enjoyment compared to the control group. To enhance PWPD’s health in Hong Kong and China, the present study investigates the effectiveness of an SLVB intervention on physical and psychological health outcomes in about 220 adults with physical disabilities in Hong Kong using a mixed-methods design. We will then further promote SLVB in Hong Kong and China by organising (i) train-the-trainer workshops, (ii) SLVB classes and (iii) SLVB competitions in Hong Kong and China.

Funding Source: RGC - Research Impact Fund (RIF)