The Impact of an 8-Week Training Program on the Sportive Character and Moral Approaches of Wheelchair Tennis Players

Abstract

Wheelchair tennis is an important sport that enables people with physical disabilities to participate actively in competitive sport. However, research focusing on the sporting character and moral attitudes of wheelchair tennis players remains limited. In this context, with the increasing prevalence of wheelchair tennis, assessing key concepts such as sporting character and morality among wheelchair tennis players is a crucial step in understanding and improving their behaviour. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an 8-week training programme on the sporting character and moral attitudes of wheelchair tennis players. In line with this aim, the study aims to highlight the importance of sporting character and moral values displayed by wheelchair tennis players during sporting activities. The research was conducted using a single group pretest-posttest experimental design with no control group. The research group consisted of 23 wheelchair tennis players. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Sport Character Scale and the Sport Morale Scale. The athletes received 60-minute training sessions for 8 weeks and data were collected using pre- and post-test methods. The results of the study show a significant improvement in the sporting character and moral attitudes of wheelchair tennis athletes. Significant differences were found between the athletes’ pre- and post-test scores. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that sportsmanship, disability type, and disability level significantly predicted the moral attitudes of the athletes. The results of the study suggest that training programmes for wheelchair tennis players have positive effects on their sporting character and moral attitudes. Therefore, it is recommended that similar training programmes aimed at improving the sporting character and moral attitudes of wheelchair tennis players should be widely implemented. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to develop policy recommendations that would encourage the participation of athletes with disabilities in general sports activities.