OCCUPATIONAL CHALLENGES FOR ABLE-BODIED AND PARA ATHLETES IN SPORTS

Abstract

Sports can be considered an engaging activity that contributes to the improvement of physical fitness, psychological health, the development of self-identity, and socialization. This chapter considers the occupational problems faced by both able-bodied and para athletes from an occupational therapy point of view. The common problems among able-bodied athletes include physical ailments like injury through overexertion, fatigue, and overtraining, as well as psychological problems such as anxiety, stress, and burnout. Moreover, the problem of role imbalance occurs due to the involvement in training and competitions. Similar problems affect para athletes, although they face even more problems because of their environment, for instance, the absence of necessary infrastructure, stigmatization by society, and lack of institutional support. Para athletes may also have health conditions that result from disability, which may limit their ability to engage in sports. Furthermore, some physical limitations can arise due to the use of assistive devices. Occupational therapy has been highlighted in this chapter as one of the solutions to help with these problems through modification of activities, assistance with technology, psychological support, and environment change. New topics like technological dependency, mental health concerns, and gender disparities among sports participants have also been brought up. Conclusively, an all-inclusive solution must be developed in order to ensure that the athletes can successfully overcome their occupational barriers and participate to their full potential. Occupational therapy plays a significant part in ensuring this.