Exploring the Physical, Psychological and Social Well-being of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury through Participation in Wheelchair Basketball: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to long-term physical limitations, reduced independence in daily activities, psychological distress, and social exclusion. Adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball may support holistic well-being; however, context-specific evidence from Bangladesh especially from rehabilitation based settings remains limited. Aim: To explore how participation in wheelchair basketball contributes to the physical, psychological and social well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), and how environmental contexts shape their participation Methods: A phenomenological qualitative research design was used to understand lived experiences of WB participation among individuals with SCI. Twelve wheelchair basketball players with SCI were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted at CRP (and other mutually convenient locations) and analysed using inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six steps. Results: Four overarching themes emerged: (i) Embodied physical transformation through wheelchair basketball, (ii) Developing functional independence in daily activities, (iii) Psychological renewal and reconstruction of self, and (iv) Strengthened social connections, inclusion and environmental empowerment. Participants described improvements in endurance, strength, balance, wheelchair handling, transfer ability, confidence, identity reconstruction, coping and resilience, and stronger peer and family recognition. At the same time, they reported ongoing environmental and transportation barriers, particularly outside supportive institutional settings. Conclusion: Participation in wheelchair basketball was perceived to support holistic well-being among individuals with SCI across physical, functional, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Nevertheless, persistent accessibility and transportation challenges may limit equitable participation beyond institutional environments. These findings support integrating wheelchair basketball within rehabilitation and strengthening environmental supports to sustain participation and community inclusion. Key words: Spinal cord injury (SCI), Wheelchair basketball, Adaptive sports, Physical fitness, Functional independence, Psychological well-being, Social inclusion