University of Lethbridge research project

The purpose of this project is to explore the experience of a variety of adapted recreation activities on Health Quality of Life (H-QOL) and well-being for clients (ages 8 +) with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges, volunteers and families/caregivers (ages 18+).

With a signed assent form for minors, you will be asked to complete one assessment (based on your observation) before and after participation in the activity. After the activity, you will be asked to fill in a feedback survey. With a signed assent form, trained researchers will write fieldnotes before, during and after the activity. You will only have to fill out this paperwork one time.

Thank you for inquiring about participating in this project - the more participants involved the more accurate the results will be. The registration page for minors is available through the following link:

Registration page for minors

With informed consent, you will be asked to complete two assessments, before and after you participate, observe or volunteer in the activity. After the activity, you will be asked to fill in a feedback survey. You will only have to fill out this paperwork one time.

Thank you for inquiring about participating in this project - the more participants involved the more accurate the results will be. The registration page for participating adults is available through the following link:

Adult participant participation registration

Riders, volunteers and family members who observe a loved one engaging in equine-assisted activities may all participate in this study with signed assent/ consent forms.

Your participation in this research is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time.

There are no consequences for choosing not to participate in this research study. You will still be able to participate in your regular activities at LTRA.

Yes. You are able to withdraw from the study at any time.

After the research team leaves, your information will be analyzed and used to write research articles. Your name will never be shared with anyone other than the research team. Your name is removed from all documents and you will be assigned a random ‘code’.

“Participation in adapted outdoor recreation for persons with disabilities (e.g. kayaking, fishing, hiking and climbing etc.) is associated with improvements in mental, emotional, and physical health. Individuals with impairments affecting mobility and cognition, such as children and adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral palsy (CP), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and amputees have experienced improvements that contribute to overall wellbeing and health-quality of life (H-QOL; DelGrande et al., 2020; Menzies et al., 2020; Merrick et al., 2020; Slater & Meade, 2004)”

The objectives of this project is to determine the following:

1. Will engaging in one adapted recreation experience improve Health Quality of Life (H-QOL) and well-being for clients with physical, cognitive, and mental health issues ages 8+, volunteers and family/ caregivers ages 18+?

2. What qualities of the overall adapted recreation sessions impacted participant experience?

For questions related to the research, please contact Amanda Ervin:

• 403-393-0744

For questions related to LTRA please contact our office:

• 403-328-2165