The purpose of this review was to analyse empirical studies on inclusion in physical education (PE) over the past 20 years and then propose recommendations for future research. A systematic process was used to search the literature for this review. First, a total of 75 research-based articles from computerised education databases were included in this review. Second, the publication descriptor data were summarised and analysed according to the geographic distribution, study period, research theme, and research method. Results showed that the number of studies on inclusive PE increased in the past 20 years, and most of these studies were contributed by authors in developed countries. Quantitative methods were the major research method employed in the reviewed studies. Third, we performed a content analysis on the descriptive data and identified three recurring themes from the empirical research. These included: stakeholder (e.g., teachers and parents) perspectives of inclusive PE, effective inclusive practices, and the impacts of inclusion on students with and without disabilities. Of the 75 studies reviewed, 49 (65%) focused on stakeholder perspectives on inclusive PE. The data indicated that stakeholders philosophically support inclusive PE, but numerous concerns and different opinions exist. Only 12 (16%) studies examined the effects of different inclusive strategies. The studies suggested that strategies such as peer tutoring and cooperative learning can provide useful support within inclusive PE. A total of 14 (19%) studies focused on the effect of inclusion on students with and without disabilities. The data indicated that inclusion in PE does not affect the learning outcome of students without disabilities when given support (e.g., using paraprofessionals and adapted PE specialists) or when a solid curriculum is used. However, students with disabilities experienced less motor engagement than their peers without disabilities. The findings of these studies also indicated that although students with disabilities can gain benefits from social interactions in inclusive PE, social isolation of students with disabilities also exists. In conclusion, this review has enhanced our knowledge of the type of studies undertaken in the field of inclusive PE for students with disabilities and some of the outcomes for these students.

Background: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low levels of physical activity (PA). Understanding factors influencing the PA participation of this population is essential to the design of effective interventions. The purposes of this study were to identify and map the barriers and facilitators of PA participation among children and adolescents with ID. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with established methodology. Articles were evaluated for relevance using predetermined inclusion criteria in eight databases. Extracted barriers and facilitators were classified using the social ecological model as individual, interpersonal, or environmental factors. Results: Thirty-two studies published between 1992 and 2020 were included (24 quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 2 mixed-method). Thirty-four factors were identified. The most commonly reported barriers included disability-specific factors, low self-efficacy, lack of parental support, inadequate or inaccessible facilities, and lack of appropriate programs. The most commonly reported facilitators included high self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, sufficient parental support, social interaction with peers, attending school physical education (PE) classes, and adapted PA programs. Conclusions: Continued exploration of factors influencing PA participation is required among children and adolescents with ID. Future interventions should involve families, schools, and wider support network in promoting their PA participation together.

Based on Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory, this study examined the perceptions of Hong Kong physical education (PE) teachers regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in general PE programmes. Eight secondary PE teachers (female = 5, male = 3) were recruited for individual semi-structured interviews. Data gathered from the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interview transcripts were analysed and presented as descriptive summaries, as well as underwent content analysis. Three themes emerged based on the content analysis of the teachers’ interview data: (1) favourable, but with concerns, (2) hope to be professional, and (3) lack of connection. Results indicated that the teachers acknowledged the benefits of inclusion in PE; however, the teachers also expressed concern regarding the instructional and environmental barriers to the inclusion of students with disabilities in general PE programmes. The findings demonstrated the need for highly frequent and efficient communication, involvement, and collaboration among stakeholders involved in inclusive PE.

This study examined the behavioral beliefs of physical education (PE) teachers about teaching students with disabilities in their general PE (GPE) classes and to identify the factors that contribute to their beliefs. A total of 195 PE teachers from a region in eastern China were surveyed. Results of the Physical Educators’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Individuals With Disabilities-III survey indicate that although some teachers felt that including students with disabilities in GPE classes provides benefit for them, they were concerned about the practical difficulties of teaching students with disabilities in GPE classes, the lack of support, and the possible rejection of students with disabilities by their peers. Moreover, the behavioral beliefs of teachers vary according to the disability conditions of the students. Results show that there is no significant effect of demographic factors on the beliefs of PE teachers. Quality of experience predicts positive beliefs. The study has important implication for teacher training, provision of equipment, and support from teacher assistants.

Background: Positive interactions with peers are critical to the everyday school experiences of students. Students with disabilities can benefit from social interactions during their general physical education (PE) classes, particularly if such interactions are extensive, frequent, meaningful, and positive and if equal-status relationships are encouraged and formed. However, limited research has been conducted on the actual behaviors of students with disabilities regarding social inclusion. Purpose: This study aims to examine the social interactions between students with and without disabilities in general PE in the Chinese context and to explore contextual factors that may determine their social interaction. Participants and setting: One student with autism, 2 students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, their 42 classmates without disabilities (17 females and 25 males), and their PE teacher participated in the study. The participants attended a government-granted school in the Yangpu district of Shanghai. Research design: A mixed-methods design was utilized to explore the social interactions between the students with and without disabilities. Data collection: Multiple data collection strategies, including the survey of demographic data, systematic observation, non-participant observation, individual semi-structured interviews, and semi-structured focus group interviews, were used in this study for different purposes. Data analysis: Mean data, including the frequency of occurrence and percentage of time, were used to describe the social interaction behaviors between students with and without disabilities. Qualitative data were reduced, categorized, and thematized by the procedures outlined by Merriam [2009. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation (Revised and Expanded from Qualitative Research and Case Study Application in Education). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass]. Findings: Students with disabilities in a middle school in Shanghai had almost no social interactions with classmates without disabilities in their general PE classes. Based on the social model of disability, contextual factors such as emphasis on differences, conflicting attitudes toward social interaction, and individual class activities determined the limited social interaction. Limited interactions occurred between students with and without disabilities, and these interactions included conversations, demonstrations, and assistance. In addition, the frequency of social interactions among students with disabilities was slightly higher than that of their interactions with their peers without disabilities. Conclusion: The findings in this study imply that PE teachers should creatively and actively design inclusive teaching methods and consider strategies or pedagogies for promoting student participation, engagement, and interaction. In addition, the professional knowledge, in-service training, and skills of PE teachers should be addressed to promote the interaction between students with and without disabilities.

This study aims to examine the general and sport-specific attitudes of elementary school students towards including students with disabilities in physical education and identifying student-related variables that determine such attitudes. A total of 872 students ranged from eight to 13 years old (461 boys and 411 girls) from six elementary schools in Shanghai participated in the study. The Children’s Attitudes towards Integrated Physical Education – Revised Scale (CAIPE-R) was utilized to measure students’ general and sport-specific attitudes. The Chinese students showed unfavourable general and sport-specific attitudes towards PE inclusion. Several student-related variables, such as being female and having a student with disabilities in PE classes, were positively associated with the general attitude of students, whereas being competitive was negatively related to the general attitude. These variables explained 13.2% of attitude variance. Being female, having a student with disabilities in regular classes, and having a student with disabilities in PE classes were positively related to the sport-specific attitude of students and explained 4.7% of attitude variance. The study has important implication for PE teaching, such as providing inclusive cooperative PE settings and opportunities of positive interaction for students with and without disabilities.