Disability, spinal cord injury, and strength and conditioning: sociological considerations

Little knowledge is available for strength and conditioning coaches' (SCCs) to develop strength and conditioning (S&C) programs with athletes with a disability. Knowledge that is available is 'bioscientific' with scant consideration of how dominant understandings of disability are constructed or how disability is experienced. <br /><br />In response, this paper provides a conceptual overview of disability and reflections from the authors published research into disability sport and spinal cord injury (SCI) to question the tacit knowledge used in S&C and the influence this has on SCC/athlete relationships. Guidelines to develop more reciprocal and empowering practices with athletes with a disability are advocated.