Physical and sports activities play an important role in the development of children and adolescents and have a particularly significant impact on the management of Type 1 diabetes. Despite the numerous positive effects of physical activity on disease management, students with Type 1 diabetes face various challenges when participating in physical education classes. The aim of this master’s thesis was to explore how students with Type 1 diabetes are included in physical education classes and to examine the barriers, challenges, and forms of support encountered by students, physical education teachers, and parents.
The study is based on a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three students with Type 1 diabetes, their parents, and their physical education teachers. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis procedures.
The results indicate that students with Type 1 diabetes are generally regularly and actively involved in physical education classes as well as after-school physical and sports activities. Nevertheless, numerous barriers to participation were identified, including challenges related to blood glucose levels management, fear of complications, dietary issues, feelings of being different and organisational difficulties. An important role is played by the personal assistant, who often takes a major part of the responsibility for helping to regulate blood glucose levels. Physical education teachers implement basic adaptations; however, these are mostly not systematically planned but rather based on the spot adjustments made in response to the student’s health condition. In the assessment of performance, special adaptations are generally not implemented. The study highlights the importance of cooperation among parents, teachers, and other specialists; however, the findings suggest that such cooperation is often limited to individual interactions and is not organised as a coordinated team approach. Technology (e.g., glucose sensors and mobile applications) and additional professional training also represent important sources of support.
This master’s thesis contributes to a better understanding of the inclusion of students with Type 1 diabetes in physical education classes. The findings may serve as a basis for further research and for improving practices regarding inclusion of students with Type 1 diabetes in physical and sports activities.
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