Priya Shah, Jennifer Tomasone, Krista Best, Gabrielle Bedard, Shane Sweet

Adapted physical activity research has focused on the quantity of physical activity participation and its benefits among persons with disabilities, with less attention to the quality of participation. Quality Participation (QP) captures experiential dimensions of physical activity, including autonomy, belongingness, challenge, engagement, mastery, and meaning. However, limited evidence exists on how strategies fostering QP are delivered/experienced during physical activity. This study will examine the relationships between the use of QP strategies and experiential aspects of QP among persons with disabilities during physical activity. Participants (N=15) will be enrolled in Fitness Access McGill, an adapted physical activity program for McGill staff and students with physical disabilities and chronic conditions. Guided by the Quality Participation Strategy Matrix, QP strategies will be collected in a random sample of ~50% program sessions (n=~120) through (a) observations of program sessions; (b) self-reported delivered strategies by kinesiology interns, and (c) self-reported received strategies by participants. Participants will complete the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation questionnaire after observed sessions to capture session-level experiences, and pre- and post-program to examine changes in QP across the program. Situational factors (e.g., stress, environmental conditions) will be examined for their influence on QP. Descriptive analyses will be conducted to outline the QP strategies utilized and received. Multilevel modeling will be used to examine relationships between the number and types of QP strategies and QP experiences at the sessions and program levels. Findings will clarify relationships between QP strategies and participant experiences, supporting evidence-informed practice for programs serving persons with disabilities.