European Perspectives on Adapted Physical Activity

Terminology used to describe our discipline/profession varies throughout Europe and North America; in this paper the term adapted physical activity is used as an umbrella term. (The term will be defined and described by Geoffrey Broadhead in a Opening Session keynote presentation at the 7th International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity in Berlin in June 1989.) Precedent has already been set for its use as the umbrella term. For example, it is used in the title of our international organization, the International Federation on Adapted Physical Activity, and for our international symposia (e.g., 7th International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity in Berlin). It is found in the title of this journal as well as in the name of a professional council of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the Adapted Physical Activity Council, the European organization entitled the European Association for Research on Adapted Physical Activity (Vermeer, 1988), and in the Jasper Talks: Strategies for Change in Adapted Physical Activity in Canada (CAHPERI ACSEPL, 1988).