Participation in sports of Dutch children with lower limb deficiencies

Abstract

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to describe sports participation of Dutch children and adolescents with lower limb deficiencies (LLD). The secondary aim was to explore perceived limitations concerning sports participation. METHODS: A total of 103 children and adolescents with LLD, aged 8–18 years (mean 11.7 years), were asked about their sports participation using a study-specific self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with LLD frequently (78%) participated in sports activities, and most of them (68%) participated in the sport of their preference. Just over half of all children (52%) perceived an inability to participate in specific sports. Physical performance (running) and endurance were mentioned as the most limiting factors in participating in certain sports. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with LLD in the Netherlands participate in a variety of sports. Despite dependency on lower limb prostheses in most cases, children and adolescents with LLD have a high potentiality of participating in sports.