[Sports activity as a form of increasing efficiency in rehabilitation of handicapped people].

The aim of the research was to find out whether systematic sport training by disabled, fulfills its therapeutic aim in rehabilitation process and gives them back a place in healthy people community. Polish paralympians who took active part in Paralympic Games in years 1992-1998 were questioned (group I). 89% of the respondents of the whole community filled in the questionnaire. The data were compared to the results of the researches among participants of 1972-1988 Paralympic games (group II). The analysis of the influence of systematic training shown that 70% of athletes group I and II, except training, did not have any treatment and sport for 81% from group I and 94% from group II was the only form of rehabilitation and continuation of that process. In spite of professional practising sport, none of paralympians from 1992-1998 noticed worsening of their general health state. Thanks to training, paralympians accepted their disability, and for 62% of respondents in group I and 70% in group II, it was not a barrier to get married. Furthermore, one showed that sport was an agent helping to get better education (23% in years 1992-1998 and 16% in years 1972-1988). 65% respondents (group I) and 60% (group II) assumed that the experience which they got by sport, is helpful in occupational or school duties. The results suggest a need of showing disabled people--if there are no contraindications to physical activity--as early as possible even on hospital rehabilitation state, possibility of continuation of rehabilitation by sport, according to their own interests and physical ability. Medical personnel working in health service should be obliged to qualify patients to training groups, and giving them information on the place where training take part.