The Feasibility and Benefits of a School-Based Running Program for Adolescents with Disabilities

Authors

  • Diego Ferreira Lander University
  • Abby Alleman Dryer Physical Therapy Institute
  • Rachel Constantini Transform Rehabilitation
  • Timothy Holdredge True Sports Physical Therapy
  • Kate Mowrey Phoenix Physical Therapy
  • Jennifer Kanupka Lebanon Valley College
  • Kathryn Oriel Lebanon Valley College

Keywords:

Adolescents with disabilities, running program, school-based, feasibility

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 6-week school-based running program for adolescents with disabilities and measure the effects of the program. Twenty adolescents with disabilities participated in the study. Teachers were asked to implement the program and assess physiological and psychosocial measures following the program. The teachers were willing to implement the program, reported full compliance from the participants, and improvements in psychosocial and physiological measures. Additional investigation is warranted to understand the full effects of school-based programs in adolescents with disabilities.

Author Biographies

Diego Ferreira, Lander University

Diego Ferreira, PhD, EP-C, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Abby Alleman, Dryer Physical Therapy Institute

Abby Alleman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Dryer Physical Therapy Institute.

Rachel Constantini, Transform Rehabilitation

Rachel Constantini, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Transform Rehabilitation.

Timothy Holdredge, True Sports Physical Therapy

Timothy Holdredge, PT, DPT, CSCS, FRCms is a clinic director for True Sports Physical Therapy in Frederick, MD and surrounding areas.

Kate Mowrey, Phoenix Physical Therapy

Kate Mowrey, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist for Phoenix Physical Therapy in Harleysville, PA.

Jennifer Kanupka, Lebanon Valley College

Jennifer Kanupka, EdD, is an associate professor and the Department Chair of the Department of Education at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.

Kathryn Oriel, Lebanon Valley College

Kathryn Oriel, PT, EdD, is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.

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Published

2023-12-06

Issue

Section

Feature Articles