Review of programs aimed at awareness of disability through physical activity and sport in school-aged children

Abstract

This article describes and analyses the educational awareness programs regarding people with disabilities in the area of physical activity and sports, which were carried out in schoolchildren and were published between 1980 and 2012, differentiating between educational contexts, recreational/social contexts, and sporting contexts. The following electronic databases were consulted: SportDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO and ERIC. Of the 19 studies found, 84.2% utilised direct contact as an intervention technique, 42.1% used information, 42.1% used indirect contact, 31.6% used simulation, and 26.3% used discussion groups. In total, 17 studies had positive results, 2 did not produce any modification, and none fostered negative attitudes. The positive effects of the intervention and the perpetuation of its changes seem related to duration of the intervention. Certain limitations are observed in the analysed studies which result in the need for further research and intervention programs through physical activity and sports.