International Journal of Sport, Exercise and Health Research 2023; 7(2): 114-121 ; DOI:10.31254/sportmed.7213
Gender variations favouring female students with disabilities in perceived benefits of physical activities and sports participation
Joyce Mawena1 , Richmond Stephen Sorkpor2
1. MPhil (Physical Education), Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
2. PhD, Lecturer, Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 28th October, 2023 / Accepted: 29th December, 2023
Physical education is known to be the only subject taught at school that offers pupils the experience of dealing with the limits and opportunities of their physical abilities as schools serve as crucial avenues that help provide greater chances to improve their health to be physically fit and active, and also gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes in sports and physical activities. Researchers have not only considered physical activities and sports participation to be crucial in preventing obesity and other related weight health risks but also help improve and sustain students with disabilities' psychosocial, cognitive, and physical growth. Despite these benefits, students with disabilities most often rarely participate in physical activities and sports, unlike those students without disabilities. This study, therefore investigated the perceived benefits of physical activities and sports participation from the perspectives of male and female students with disabilities. A cross-sectional survey was adopted to collect quantitative data from 194 students using purposive and simple random sampling techniques from three special schools to respond to a questionnaire. Through the use of descriptive statistics, students with disabilities perceived benefits of physical activities and sports were found to be positive, and an independent-sample t-test was used to establish a statistically significant difference between male and female students favouring the latter. The implications of this study for policy, decision making, and researchers are discussed in detail.
Physical education, Physical activity and sports, Impairment
