Service-learning in adapted physical activity: a qualitative case study in a Brazilian bachelor’s degree context

This qualitative case study described the design and analyzed the implementation of a service-learning (SL) program in adapted physical activity (APA) for Bachelor’s degree students in Brazil. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 12 undergraduate students and the instructor’s field diary and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were constructed: attendance and student–participant pairing, student guidance and autonomy, structured reflection, and group work dynamics. Findings show that tailored supervision, case-based reflection, and collaborative problem-solving supported the connection between theory and practice, while uneven student commitment, participant absences, and group conflicts challenged implementation. Rather than functioning only as barriers, these tensions also created opportunities for professional learning, including adaptability, communication, and leadership. The study is limited by its single institutional context and by the absence of community participants’ perspectives. Results offer practical guidance for implementing SL in APA Bachelor’s degree programs.