Examining the Health Impact of and Promoting Sitting Light Volleyball in the Greater Bay Area

NCT07164508 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: R8003-25
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 225
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The present study builds on the promising result of our SLVB pilot study with the aim to extend the works' impact by investigating the effectiveness of a SLVB intervention on the physical and psychological health outcomes in adults with physical disabilities in HKG by collecting quantitative and qualitative data in a larger sample (225 participants). The investigators hypothesize that the SLVB and Seated Dance (SD) interventions will improve physical and psychological health outcomes, and quality of life compared to the control group, with SLVB expected to be more effective than SD in enhancing health outcomes for PWPDs. Using the consolidated evidence on the benefits of SVLB from our research work, the investigators will promote SLVB in HKD and CHN by organizing i) train-the-trainer workshops (325 trainers trained), ii) SLVB classes (about 1270 PWPD in HKG and CHN) and iii) SLVB competitions in HKG and CHN (initial rounds of competition will be held across Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with the finals to be held in Hong Kong, totaling to 408 participants). The investigators combine the evidenced benefits of SVLB with the Train-The-Trainer approach, suggested by the World Health Organization, to achieve community engagement and it is regarded as a solution to institutional barriers in promoting adapted physical activity. SLVB teaching aids will also be developed to promote the activities.

Conditions

Physial Disabilities

Keywords

Physical Impairments; Adapted Sports; Adults; Hong Kong; Mainland China

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (8)

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome - Muscular Strength

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be used to assess multiple components of physical fitness in participants. This includes Upper Body Muscular Strength: Assessed using the Grip Test, reported in kilograms.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome - Muscular Endurance

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be used to assess multiple components of physical fitness in participants. This includes Upper Body Muscular Endurance. it will be assessed using the Dumbbell Press Test, reported as number of repetitions.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome - Body Composition - Body Mass Index

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be used to assess multiple components of physical fitness in participants. This includes Body Composition. Body Mass Index. Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome -The Brockport Physical Fitness Test

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be assessed using the Skinfold Test (reported in millimeters)

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome - Flexibility

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be used to assess multiple components of physical fitness in participants. This includes flexibility, assessing using the Shoulder Stretch Test, reported as pass/fail based on reach criteria.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical fitness - Physical health outcome - Aerobic Endurance

  The Brockport Physical Fitness Test will be used to assess multiple components of physical fitness in participants. This includes Aerobic Endurance. It will be assessed using the Submaximal Arm Ergometry Test and the Six-Minute Arm

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Anticipation time - Physical health outcome

  A Bassin Anticipation Timer (BAT, Lafayette Instrument Company, Model 35575) will measure the participant's visual acuity related to eye-hand coordination and anticipation (in milliseconds.). Using BAT devices, participants will be instructed to press a button to coincide with light arrival at the target.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Sitting balance - Physical health outcome

  A modified Functional Reach Test will be used to assess limits of stability by measuring the maximum distance that an individual can reach forward and laterally while sitting in a fixed position. Its reliability and validity have been supported for adults with disabilities.

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Quality of life - Psychological health outcome

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Physical Activity Enjoyment - Psychological health outcome

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

• Mindful self-care - Psychological health outcome

  Collected pre-test, post-test after 16 week intervention program, at 3 months after intervention and at 6 months after intervention.

Study Arms (3)

Sitting Light Volleyball Intervention Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

75 randomly selected participants within the demographic of adults with physical disabilities who will undergo a 16-week Sitting Light Volleyball intervention, comprised of 32 training sessions with 2 x 75-minute sessions per week, according to the World Health Organization recommendations. This intervention plan is based on the research team's previous Sitting Light Volleyball program designed for people with physical disabilities, and will cover basic Sitting Light Volleyball skills and posture, team tactics, as well as rules and regulations.

Behavioral: Sitting Light Volleyball Intervention

Group Seated Dance Intervention Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

75 randomly selected participants within the demographic of adults with physical disabilities who will undergo a 16-week group Seated Dance intervention, comprised of 32 training sessions with 2 x 75-minute sessions per week, according to the World Health Organization recommendations. Participants in this group will learn freestyle para-dance in a group setting, including hip-hop and Latin dance. They will practice step sequences of increasing complexity whilst seated, and later, music will be added to their dance routines.

Behavioral: Group Seated Dance Intervention

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

75 randomly assigned participants in this group will be instructed to maintain their normal daily activities, and will be asked to join monthly non-exercise social gatherings (e.g. health talks) to balance the psychosocial effects associated with the regular gatherings in the other groups.

Interventions

Sitting Light Volleyball Intervention BEHAVIORAL

16-week intervention centered around Sitting Light Volleyball, an adaptive sport developed by the Project Coordinator specifically for adults with physical disabilities.

Sitting Light Volleyball Intervention Group

Group Seated Dance Intervention BEHAVIORAL

16-week intervention program for adults with physical disabilities centered around para dance in a group setting of various dance styles.

Group Seated Dance Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• People with disabilities registered in the Central Registry for Rehabilitation.
• Diagnosed with physical disabilities such as impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, or leg length difference, using the soft volleyball and Para dance classification of International Paralympic Committee.
• Has at least one functional arm.
• With a normal to mild grade intellectual disability.
• Have not participated in a structured physical activity program during the 6 months preceding the study.
• Can communicate in Chinese.

You may not qualify if:

• Having a recorded Mini-Mental State Examination score of 17 or below.
• Unable to sit unsupported, by recording a balance score at or below 2 on the Berg Balance Scale (indicating they are able to sit for a maximum of 30 seconds).
• Having a Body Mass Index of 27 or above.
• Have had orthopedic surgery 6 months (or less) prior to the study entry.
• Have a history of cardiovascular disease that hinders study participation.
• Have seeing and/or hearing difficulties.
• Have not been approved by his/her physician to participate in the study due to a limiting medical condition

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Education University of Hong Kong: lead
• The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

23 Waterloo Rd, Yau Ma Tei

Kowloon, Hong Kong

Location

Related Publications (24)

• Home Affairs Bureau, SAR Government of Hong Kong. A consultancy study on sport for people with disabilities in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Home Affairs Bureau, SAR Government; 2016.

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• Leung KM, Chung PK, Chan AWK, Ransdell L, Siu PMF, Sun P, Yang J, Chen TC. Promoting healthy ageing through light volleyball intervention in Hong Kong: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2020 Jan 28;12:6. doi: 10.1186/s13102-019-0151-7. eCollection 2020.

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Related Links

• Census and Statistics Department, SAR Government of Hong Kong. Persons with disabilities and chronic diseases in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Census and Statistics Department; Accessed Feb 20, 2022.
• China Disabled Persons' Federation. Statistics on the development of persons with disabilities in 2023. Accessed Feb 20, 2022.
• World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: at a glance. Accessed Feb 20, 2022. Published 2020.

Study Officials

• Lynda Ransdell, Professor and Chair

  Boise State University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Che Hin CHAN, Vice President Chair Professor

  Education University of Hong Kong

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Ng KWOK, Chief Scientist Professor

  Lithuanian Sports University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Wei Ping TU, Developmental Director

  ParaVolley Asia Oceania

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Paul Lee Hong, Associate Professor

  University of Southampton

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Claudia Wong Ming Yu, Assistant Professor

  Education University of Hong Kong

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Patrick Yung Shu Hang, Professor, Chairman

  Chinese University of Hong Kong

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Ka Man LEUNG, PhD

CONTACT

852 + 2948 8470; leungkaman@eduhk.hk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Independent evaluators assessing participants' outcomes, and those involved in data entry and analysis will be blinded to group assignments.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor, Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 15, 2025
• First Posted: September 10, 2025
• Study Start (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2029
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2029
• Last Updated: September 10, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

HK (1)