Recreational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, and Athletic Training: Interprofessional Collaborative Practices for Adaptive Sports

Authors

  • Allie Thomas Texas State University
  • Kaitlin Mueller Catawba College
  • John Farrell III Texas State University
  • Shelby Sharpe Texas State University
  • Carla Heffner Texas State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2025-V59-I2-12599

Keywords:

Recreational Therapy, Adaptive Sports, Interprofessional Practice, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Qualitative

Abstract

Adaptive sports are implemented by multiple disciplines, including recreational therapists, exercise physiologists, and athletic trainers. Yet, understanding differences in discipline-specific work with adaptive sport athletes is warranted. Therefore, the purpose of this manuscript was to identify scopes of practice and safety recommendations for recreational therapists, exercise physiologists, and athletic trainers regarding adaptive sports. Using a qualitative case study method, focus groups were conducted for 10 participants in the three disciplines. Two themes of scope of practice (with four subthemes) and safety recommendations (with four subthemes) emerged from the data. Discussions for interprofessional practice among these disciplines working in adaptive sports are provided, and recreational therapy practice implications are further detailed. Future research recommendations in the area of adaptive sports are also shared to advance interprofessional practice, scope of practice, and safety recommendations within the specialty area of adaptive sports. 

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 2 (2025): Interprofessional Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Practices and Education: Focus on Health and Quality of Life

Section

Special Issue

License

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