title: A Systematic Review of Influences on Development of Athletes With Disabilities.
abstract: Compared with mainstream sport athletes, relatively little is known regarding the factors affecting the development of athletes with a disability. Sport-specific training programs are essential to athletes' successful performance; to create appropriate programs and strategies, a clear understanding of the nuances of development of athletes with a disability is important. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize existing research on development in athletes with a disability and examine the key determinants of successful development and sporting performance. After a search of the Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases, 21 articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria, which were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and categorized into 3 groups: training and practice, shortterm interventions, and long-term changes due to training. Among the studies, there was a disproportionate focus on immediate interventions and training programs and less on long-term development. The review reflected a lack of research on sportspecific development of athletes with a disability, which raises concerns regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of current training practices.
authors.affiliation: 1 York University.
authors.forename: Nima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dehghansai
authors.affiliation: 1 York University.
authors.forename: Srdjan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lemez
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wattie
authors.affiliation: 1 York University.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D010806:Physical Education and Training
keywords: expertise; parasport; skill acquisition; wheelchair sport