The Impact of Selected Adapted Sports on the Quality of Life of People with Physical Disabilities: A Comparative Analysis of Diving and Wheelchair Rugby

Adaptive sport is a recognized tool for improving the quality of life (QoL) of people with physical disabilities. However, the existing literature rarely delves into diverse impact of specific disciplines. The purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative comparative assessment of quality of life of four groups of people with physical disabilities: scuba divers (G1), wheelchair rugby players (G2), those active in other sports (G3), and a physically inactive group (G4). The cross-sectional study involved 134 wheelchair users. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the domains such as social relationships (p=0.012), environmental (p=0.009) and physical health (p=0.048). The scuba diving group (G1) scored highest in all domains, rating their quality of life in the environmental domain significantly higher than group G3 (p=0.005). Group G3 (“other sports”) rated the domain of social relationships significantly higher than wheelchair rugby players (G2) (p=0.007). The type of sport practiced is a significant factor that differentiates the impact in various aspects of the quality of life. Scuba diving, due to the unique properties of the aquatic environment, may offer exceptional psychophysiological benefits. In contrast, the confrontational nature of rugby, despite the advantages of teamwork, may influence the perception of social relationships differently.