Document Analysis of Sports Literature for Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

A document analysis was conducted on published articles (data-based and review) relative to sports for individuals with disabilities. Data were directly compared to those published from a 10-year (1986 to 1996) document analysis by Reid and Prupas (1998). The current analysis consisted of the recent 10-year time period (2001 to 2011). Retrieved articles were assigned into one of eight categories. Reliability checks resulted in 90% for inter-rater and 93% for intra-rater agreement. The period 2001 to 2011 resulted in the greatest number of data-based articles published while the period 1986 to 1996 resulted in the greatest number of review articles published. Similarities and differences were discussed relative to the timeframes used as well as the method used to retrieve publications. Results were provided information for future research and writing in the area of sport for individuals with disabilities.