Design and Testing of a Model for the Development of the Disability Sports Ecosystem in Iran.

Nikfarjam, Vahid; Saatchian, Vahid; Soroori, Sanaz; Azimzadeh, Seyed  Morteza

doi:10.22054/qrsm.2025.86371.222

Design and Testing of a Model for the Development of the Disability Sports Ecosystem in Iran.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Vahid Nikfarjam ¹

Vahid Saatchian ²

Sanaz Soroori ³

Seyed Morteza Azimzadeh ⁴

¹ Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences,Ma.C.,Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

² Associate Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport science, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health,Imam Reza International University,Mashad, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences,Ma.C.,Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

⁴ Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22054/qrsm.2025.86371.222

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the design and testing of a development model for the disability sports ecosystem in Iran. The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included top managers, experts, and active members of the National Paralympic Committee and the Federation of Sports for the Disabled; selected managers of rehabilitation centers in provincial capitals; and physically disabled athletes (with a minimum of 5 years of sports activity and recent medal achievements). Purposive sampling was used. The sample size, based on the sufficient number for modeling in PLS software, was estimated to be 100 individuals (10 to 20 times the number of questions related to the variable with the highest number of questions, which was 5 questions). Out of 150 distributed questionnaires, 137 were entered into the analysis process. To assess content validity, feedback was sought from 8 scientific and executive experts. Subsequently, composite reliability and construct validity were examined and confirmed in the final stage using PLS software. The results of the factor analysis of the main variable constructs indicated that all components played a significant explanatory role. Path analysis also showed that the relationships between variables were positive and significant, and the conceptual model had an excellent fit. The positive and significant relationships among the model's variables demonstrate its scientific validity in analyzing the current situation and predicting pathways for enhancing sports participation among people with disabilities at the national level.

Keywords

Development Sports

Disabled sports

Physically disabled

Sports ecosystem

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