Factors Impacting Enjoyment in Physical Education for Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Students with disabilities have lower levels of physical activity compared to typically developing peers, which can impact the development of motor competence needed to enjoy lifelong physical activity. Enjoyment has been linked participation in physical activity. Thus, the purpose of this synthesis was to discover factors that impact enjoyment in physical education for children with disabilities. After a thorough search of the available literature, 10 research articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the critical mass. Factors contributing to enjoyment in physical education for children with disabilities were intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic factors contributing to enjoyment included interaction with peers and teachers while intrinsic factors included perceived motor ability and activity preference. Recommendations for teachers to increase enjoyment in physical education for students with disabilities includes using affective inclusive practices, creating a positive environment, and increasing teacher readiness and attitude. Future research should be done on how to provide appropriate training to current teachers and students in physical education teacher education programs to increase levels of enjoyment in physical education for students with disabilities.