Scuba Diving as a Form of Rehabilitation for People with Physical Disabilities

Gabriela Henrykowska, Joanna Soin and Piotr Siermontowski
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Gabriela Henrykowska: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
Joanna Soin: Institute of Health Sciences, Stefan Batory State University, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland
Piotr Siermontowski: Department Underwater Work Technology, Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of Westerplatte, 81-103 Gdynia, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-11

Abstract: (1) Background: The exploration of the potential therapeutic benefits of scuba diving for the mental and physical health of people with physical disabilities. (2) Methods: The research was conducted on a group of 240 people (men and women) with physical disabilities, using the survey designed by one of the authors. The subjective sense of physical and mental fitness was analyzed in retrospective and real terms. (3) Results: Significant increases in self-esteem, belief in our own abilities (self-confidence) and improvement in the ability to engage in social interactions were observed in the group of scuba divers with disabilities compared to individuals with disabilities not practicing diving. The respondents also declared an improvement in the efficiency of the respiratory system and stressed that a water environment increased their motor skills and relieved pain. (4) Conclusions: Diving can become one of the forms of rehabilitation for people with disabilities. There is a need for further research to expand our understanding of the benefits and possible health problems involved in diving. These activities have a huge impact on improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Keywords: scuba diving; rehabilitation in disability; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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