Revitalising traditional Indian games: inclusive game adaptations for children with cerebral palsy
Creators: name: Rahman, A. Mansoor
name: Raja, Kavitha
name: Kumar, Jagadish
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences

description: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) present unique challenges to physical activity due to various factors. Despite the benefits of inclusive approaches and adapted physical education, low- and middle-income countries face specific barriers including environmental, equipment, personal, policy, social and professional barriers. Traditional Indian games, with their cultural significance and potential therapeutic benefits, offer a promising avenue for inclusive adaptations. At present we couldn’t find any studies that explore’s the method of adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with cerebral palsy of varying functional levels. The aim of the study was to explore the adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with CP of varying functional levels. Traditional Indian games were identified through ethnographic qualitative research, and adapted using the Delphi process involving experts from various fields. A total of 10 traditional games were selected based on their health benefits using an operationalised conceptual model. The <i>CHANGE IT</i> model of adapted physical activity was used to systematically adapt each game. Validation of the model was then performed on children with CP [a smaller sample size, <i>n</i> = 10] with different levels of functioning. The games varied in playing positions, surfaces and phases. Modifications included changes in game rules, play environment, equipment and time duration. The study validation through informal interview among the parents of CP children revealed that adapted traditional game protocol shown improvements in their children’s activity levels and participation. While this is a preliminary exploration, no firm conclusion can be drawn. The model presented in this study lays the foundation for future randomised controlled trials to validate the effects of adapted traditional Indian games on children with cerebral palsy of different functional levels. A low-cost feasible method of physical promotion in children with cerebral palsy can be part of physical education curriculum. Secondary benefits are expected to include manuals for teaching the traditional games to children by schools, parents and rehabilitation workers. Clear guidelines in the manuals will assist other professionals to replicate this study in various other settings. The manual will list methods undertaken for documentation and steps for adaptation. Using these guidelines, it is anticipated that other games can be similarly analysed and manuals can be created.Rehabilitation workers and physical education teachers would benefit greatly from this study. Open courses on documentation and adaptation can be created and offered through “Swayam” the open learning portal of the University Grants Commission, India. This might reach a large number of people.Dissemination by means of conducting conferences, workshops and by providing the documentation to the regional cultural society and folklore museum may spread the effectiveness of this study to reach maximum areas throughout India. A low-cost feasible method of physical promotion in children with cerebral palsy can be part of physical education curriculum. Secondary benefits are expected to include manuals for teaching the traditional games to children by schools, parents and rehabilitation workers. Clear guidelines in the manuals will assist other professionals to replicate this study in various other settings. The manual will list methods undertaken for documentation and steps for adaptation. Using these guidelines, it is anticipated that other games can be similarly analysed and manuals can be created. Rehabilitation workers and physical education teachers would benefit greatly from this study. Open courses on documentation and adaptation can be created and offered through “Swayam” the open learning portal of the University Grants Commission, India. This might reach a large number of people. Dissemination by means of conducting conferences, workshops and by providing the documentation to the regional cultural society and folklore museum may spread the effectiveness of this study to reach maximum areas throughout India.