Exploring the facilitators of adapted mountain biking based on the lived experiences of adults living with a spinal cord injury

Abstract

Research related to adapted mountain biking for people living with spinal cord injuries has primarily focused on the barriers that exist. Facilitators of adapted mountain biking have not been well-researched, and a better understanding of the facilitators that address these barriers is needed. The intention of this study was to understand how adapted mountain biking is facilitated. Ten adults with a spinal cord injury who have participated in adapted mountain biking were recruited as participants. Semi-structured interviews were held to understand the lived experiences of participants regarding the facilitators of their participation in adapted mountain biking. The main themes that emerged from this research were 1) general facilitators related to the physical environment, organizations, human connections, and the individual, along with motivations; 2) equipment as a facilitator. The facilitators described by participants reflect the current actions that enable participation and the suggestions for how to further facilitate the sport.