Start Date
19-6-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
19-6-2025 1:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction In the era of digital transformation, advancements in digital technology have revolutionized sports and recreational activities, enabling hybrid formats that transcend spatial and temporal limitations. However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge, particularly for socially marginalized groups such as individuals with disabilities. Physical, economic, and geographical barriers often limit their participation in the digital aspects of recreational sports, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address these disparities.
Methodology This study investigates the factors influencing the intention of individuals with disabilities to adopt digital technology in recreational sports, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical framework. A total of 300 individuals with disabilities participating in physical activities across South Korea were recruited for the study. Validated questionnaires were administered to assess attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and the intention to use digital technology in recreational sports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships among variables and validate the hypothesized model
Results First, attitudes toward the use of digital technology in recreational sports showed a significant positive effect on the intention of people with disabilities to adopt digital technology (β = .55, p < .001). Second, subjective norms did not have a significant effect on the intention to use digital technology (β = -0.01, p > .05). Third, attitudes toward digital technology were found to significantly influence perceived behavioral control (β = .35, p < .001). Additionally, the results of the model fit analysis confirmed that the proposed research model meets the recommended standards for fit indices. The Normed χ² value was 2.87, indicating an acceptable fit. Other fit indices, including NFI (.93), IFI (.95), and TLI (.94), exceeded the recommended threshold of .90, suggesting a strong model fit. The RMSEA value was .06, which is within the acceptable range, further supporting the validity of the research model.
Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of improving digital literacy and reducing barriers to technology adoption to enhance inclusion in recreational sports for people with disabilities. By fostering positive attitudes and addressing accessibility challenges, this study contributes to the development of practical strategies that promote greater participation and social equity through digital technology.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Hyunsu Prof.; Kim, Jaehwa Prof.; and Cho, Gunsang Prof., "Analyzing the Intention to Use Digital Technology in Physical Activities for People with Disabilities: A Study Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 44.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day4/44
Analyzing the Intention to Use Digital Technology in Physical Activities for People with Disabilities: A Study Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Introduction In the era of digital transformation, advancements in digital technology have revolutionized sports and recreational activities, enabling hybrid formats that transcend spatial and temporal limitations. However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge, particularly for socially marginalized groups such as individuals with disabilities. Physical, economic, and geographical barriers often limit their participation in the digital aspects of recreational sports, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address these disparities.
Methodology This study investigates the factors influencing the intention of individuals with disabilities to adopt digital technology in recreational sports, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical framework. A total of 300 individuals with disabilities participating in physical activities across South Korea were recruited for the study. Validated questionnaires were administered to assess attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and the intention to use digital technology in recreational sports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships among variables and validate the hypothesized model
Results First, attitudes toward the use of digital technology in recreational sports showed a significant positive effect on the intention of people with disabilities to adopt digital technology (β = .55, p < .001). Second, subjective norms did not have a significant effect on the intention to use digital technology (β = -0.01, p > .05). Third, attitudes toward digital technology were found to significantly influence perceived behavioral control (β = .35, p < .001). Additionally, the results of the model fit analysis confirmed that the proposed research model meets the recommended standards for fit indices. The Normed χ² value was 2.87, indicating an acceptable fit. Other fit indices, including NFI (.93), IFI (.95), and TLI (.94), exceeded the recommended threshold of .90, suggesting a strong model fit. The RMSEA value was .06, which is within the acceptable range, further supporting the validity of the research model.
Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of improving digital literacy and reducing barriers to technology adoption to enhance inclusion in recreational sports for people with disabilities. By fostering positive attitudes and addressing accessibility challenges, this study contributes to the development of practical strategies that promote greater participation and social equity through digital technology.
