Document Type
Abstract -- MUSC Only
Publication Date
Spring 4-26-2025
Faculty Mentor
Cristina Reyes Smith
Abstract
The purpose of this occupational therapy doctoral project is to partner with FNE International in creating a unified soccer program that incorporates mental health education. In Nicaragua and around the world, there is a stigma behind mental health and access to care for mental health especially in children. One way to improve an individual’s overall mental well-being is through exercise. A quality improvement study consisting of quantitative and qualitative data collection determined the parents understanding of unified soccer and the importance of physical and mental health. Brief REDCap surveys and informal interviews were done to gather statistics and thematic analysis. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicated increase in knowledge of ways to make soccer adaptive and the importance of physical activity. The results from this study revealed that the presentation on unified soccer and the creation of soccer strikers accomplished its purpose of increasing knowledge of the importance of physical activity and mental health as well as ways to adapt soccer for all to play. The sustainability of the super striker’s soccer curriculum and the presentation unified soccer facilities future growth and impact of children with disabilities in low in come countries.
Recommended Citation
Sudberry, Grace, "Enhancing Physical and Mental Health for Children with Disabilities in Nicaragua" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 66.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/66