Playing adaptive sports linked to higher employment, economic impact

(ScienceDaily) - Wheelchair rugby and basketball players are aggressive, conditioned and determined, just like people without disabilities. Unlike them, though, is their likelihood of employment and economic independence. A new study from the University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) finds playing an adaptive sport can have dramatic results on the athlete and the economy.

"Our analysis shows that playing an additional year of adaptive sport is associated with an approximately 4 percent increase in likelihood of employment every year for 10 years before the benefits flatten out," said Michael Cottingham, associate professor and the study's principal investigator. "Resources to support disability sport are lacking, though, in part because of the perceived lack of economic return of investing in these programs."

The study was published in the international, multidisciplinary journal Disability and Rehabilitation.

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