GAME-PLAN framework: perspectives for enhancing physical activity participation in children and youth with disabilities
Purpose To provide a practical overview of the key literature and theoretical underpinnings, as well as the gaps in evidence and practice where further knowledge or efforts toward implementation are needed to promote physical activity among children with disabilities.Materials and methods We propose the GAME-PLAN framework as a guiding structure for research, education, and clinical practice: G (Goal Setting), A (Assessing Functioning and Personal Factors), M (Mapping Barriers and Supports), E (Enhancing Environmental and Personal Supports), P (Promoting Physical Literacy-Based Interventions), L (Learning Through Experience), A (Activating Community Connections), and N (Navigating Next Steps).The GAME-PLAN structure is designed to improve understanding of the steps through which greater participation in physical activity can be promoted collaboratively between all stakeholders. It is not our intention to exhaust the understanding of this topic in this perspective review, but to present this model as a useful structure for understanding and actioning the promotion of physical activity among children and youth with disabilities.Conclusion We invite stakeholders to view and explore possibilities from the GAME-PLAN perspective to promote greater opportunities for engagement and participation in physical activities among children and youth with disabilities.
Authors
- Ricardo Rodrigues de Sousa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7354-2132)
- Hércules Ribeiro Leite (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8977-8131)
- Gabriela Fischer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2202-5017)
- Rachel Teplicky (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8149-4756)
- Livia Coutinho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9680-9893)
- Georgina Leigh Clutterbuck (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8097-7836)
- Débora Claësson
- Lidiane Francisca Borges Ferreira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9437-7041)
- Camila Simão
- Bruno Macedo
Institutions
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (BR)
- United Cerebral Palsy (US)
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- University of the Sunshine Coast (AU)
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (BR)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood-onset Disability Research (CA)
- VIA University College (DK)
- McMaster University (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Disability and Rehabilitation
- Published
- 2026-10-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2741354
- Primary Topic
- Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00