Adolescents experience with intensive training at inpatient rehabilitation centers. An interview study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the experience youth with disabilities have participating in intensive, time limited training at in-patient rehabilitation centers. Method: Four former participants at in-patient rehabilitation centers, which offer intensive group training for adolescents with disabilities, between 15 to 20 years of age were interviewed using qualitative in-depth interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed in an inductive process. Findings: The participants focused on how they felt that their body responded, and how they managed tasks. The togetherness they experienced with others in the same situation was important to them. The participants responded positively to demands put on them in rehabilitation centers. Conclusion: The participants experienced togetherness with others in the same situation as themselves. In addition, they were given the opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other. The experience of managing tasks and a social bond with others is seen as more important than physical development.

Keywords

• physical activity
• adolescents
• disabilities
• social relations
• intensive training