Evaluation of a sitting light volleyball intervention: a social-ecological approach
Abstract Background This study was part of a 15-week sitting light volleyball (SLVB) intervention programme which examined the effectiveness of the intervention on physical and psychological attributes of people with physical disabilities (PWPD) in Hong Kong. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of PWPD in the SLVB intervention is critical to further develop SLVB as a PA intervention and sport. This qualitative study explored and examined the association between the SLVB intervention elements and outcomes. Methods Using a social–ecological model (SEM), the participants’ experiences regarding the intervention were assessed and the suitability and feasibility of the SLVB intervention elements were examined. Twenty participants (mean age = 53.52 years standard deviation (SD = 9.02), 60% female participants; 25% had at least a college degree) attended our semi-structured interviews. Results Using thematic analysis, their experiences at the individual or intrapersonal level (improved health and well-being, enjoyment, novelty, competence autonomy, and self-regulation when playing SLVB); relationship or interpersonal levels (teamwork, social support, socialization, and communication); perceived environment level (comfort, privacy, spaciousness, and accessibility concerns); community or organizational level (safety, dissemination of information, and community facilities); and policy level (resources allocation by the government) were obtained. The participants also commented on the suitability of the SLVB intervention for PWPD, contents and coaching, modified rules, duration of session and scheduling, and number of participants and coaches. Conclusion This qualitative study identified several primary drivers and barriers for engaging PWPD in SLVB, and demonstrated that adopting a multilevel approach to our SLVB intervention has positive outcomes. Our results can facilitate the development of the experiential aspects of SLVB and indicate the suitability and feasibility of organizing SLVB-related activities in a community setting in the future.