New Approaches to Physical Education: The Impact of a Para-Volleyball Program on Motor Abilities in Upper Primary School Children

Background: The growing inclusion of students with developmental disabilities (SWDs) in mainstream physical education (PE) highlights the need for teaching approaches that support participation while maintaining educational effectiveness. This study examined the effects of a 12-week para-volleyball program on motor abilities in students without developmental disabilities (SWDDs). Methods: A total of 217 fifth- and sixth-grade primary school students were assigned to an experimental group (n = 110), in which students participated in a 12-week para-volleyball program, and a control group (n = 107), in which students followed the regular PE curriculum. Anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities, such as explosive strength, agility, and aerobic capacity, were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized field tests. Results: The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in agility and explosive strength than the control group. Specifically, agility test performance improved by 0.92 s (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.16), and standing long jump distance increased by 10.60 cm (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.17). No significant effects were found for aerobic capacity (p > 0.05) or body composition, while flexibility improved only in the control group (+4.41 cm, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A 12-week para-volleyball program significantly improved agility and explosive strength in primary school students compared to standard PE. These findings suggest that para-volleyball is an effective tool for developing motor abilities and promoting inclusive PE.