The influence of adaptive behaviour on sport performance in athletes with intellectual impairment

The right for an individual with Intellectual Disability (ID) to compete at the highest level of international sport is paramount for sport and physical activity participation. A vital aspect of the re-inclusion of athletes into the Paralympic Games was the creation of a valid and reliable classification system to determine general and sport specific eligibility. Despite Adaptive Behaviour (AB) being a primary diagnostic criterion for ID, it is not currently weighted within a sporting context in the classification of ID athletes. In addition, there is very little empirical information regarding the relationship between AB and motor proficiency as a general term, with no research performed specifically exploring AB and sport performance. This projects primary aim is to provide insight into the relationship between AB and sport performance in individuals with ID, through the identification of core domains and sub-domains of AB relevant to movement execution. Initially, a thorough review of current literature on AB constructs and their relationship with general motor proficiency will be performed. This will proceed into direct and indirect evaluations of the relationship between AB and sport performance, resulting in the identification of AB domains and sub-domains specifically relevant to sport performance, Generic Sport AB (GSAB). The important final sequence of this project will be the creation of a valid and reliable test battery to assess GSAB, to be utilised in Paralympic Classification of athletes with ID. This knowledge is essential for movement pedagogical practices (e.g. physical education, coaching and clinicians), and will provide necessary information about AB and sport from inactive through to Paralympic elite athlete ID participants.