Tag Rugby-It’s so much more than just a game! Nikki Gregg- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Dr. Mary Hannon-Fletcher - Ulster University

Learning Outcomes To consider non traditional methods to achieve therapy goals To enhance knowledge and skills when considering sport as a treatment method amongst those with an intellectual disability

Background to research study Newforge Taggers are the first tag rugby club to be established in Ireland They are based in Belfast They have been running since 2006 Its members all have an Intellectual disability The youngest member is 6 years of age and the oldest member is 42 Years old Ulster rugby is the governing body

Research Question? How does participation in the sport of tag rugby impact on the health and well being of an individual with an intellectual Disability? A parent perspective

Key objectives To examine the relationship between participation in team sports (tag rugby) and: The impact this has on an individual’s physical health How this assists in the promotion of a healthy life style The impact this has on mental and emotional well being

Methodology Research question developed from observation Completed literature review Refined the research question Decided on research design Obtained consent from committee members and parents from the Newforge Taggers Confirmed costing of project Completed research proposal Obtained ethical approval Completed pilot study Collected and collated data Analyzed the data and interpreted the findings Completed research report

Results 59% recruitment rate (24 participants) 100% of participants reported their child was more socially outgoing 96% saw an improvement in their child’s mental and emotional well being 75% reported that friendship was the biggest benefit of participation in tag rugby 71% reported that participation in tag rugby had a positive influence on diet and exercise

Parent views Improved confidence, mentally more stimulated and it has helped him to learn to control his emotions Greatly increased overall well being has led to a much more settled family life Mental and emotional well being is much improved, identifiable to the taggers as starts to slip back into his old less healthy ways in the off season Given him a sense of belonging, greatly improved self confidence and social well being, great to have another group of friends outside of school

Strengths and shortcomings 58% of the responses came from parents whose child had been a member of the Newforge Taggers for 10 years Responses came from parents Variance of 25 years in age of athletes 92% were involved in more than one sport No control group Not a validated questionnaire

Recommendations Larger number of participants Focus on one age range Focus group with athletes participating in team sports both with and without an intellectual disability Prospective study with new members. Including the use of validated scales, tracking fitness levels, happiness, confidence and self esteem. Measured over a five year period. Participants could be split into different categories, including gender and severity of intellectual disability

Impact of research Participation in team sports has a positive impact on the health and well being of an individual with an intellectual disability. When a team sport is played in the right surrounding, is fun and interactive the benefits include friendship, increased fitness levels, increased confidence and self esteem.

Key Points Sport changes lives, sport participation can empower an individual to feel more socially included in their local community. Sport as a treatment modality for Occupational Therapists is an excellent method to achieve therapy goals.

Resources www.newforgetaggers.co.uk www.ulsterrugby.com Ulster rugby.(2016). Rugby at the heart of the community. Health and well being strategy.

Contact details Nikki Gregg South Eastern Health and Social care Trust Nikkic.gregg@setrust.hscni.net Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher Ulster University mp.hannon@Ulster.ac.uk