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The Impact of Adapted Water Polo on the Development of Deaf- Mute Adolescents: Evidence from an Experimental Study

Gianluca Gravino, Federica Badii Esposito, Fabiola Palmiero, Giovanni Tafuri

Abstract

This empirical investigation examines the effects of an inclusive water polo program on the physical, psychological, and social development of adolescents diagnosed with deaf-mutism. A cohort of 24 participants, aged between 12 and 15 years, were allocated to either an experimental group (n = 12), which participated in a specially tailored water polo program, or a control group (n = 12), which received conventional physical education. Following a duration of ten weeks, both qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed statistically significant advancements in motor proficiency, perceived self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationships among members of the experimental group (p < .001). These findings underscore the educational implications of sport as a comprehensive mechanism for facilitating the development of individuals with sensory impairments, thereby affirming the significance of inclusive physical activity.

Keywords

Inclusive sportDeafnessAdolescentsWater poloSelf-efficacySocial

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