This study's primary question or hypothesis was to investigate the relationship between physical activity and self-efficacy in children with disabilities. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether participation in various physical activities could enhance self-efficacy perceptions in these children. Self-efficacy refers to a person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. It plays a key role in how one approaches goals, tasks, and challenges. Self-efficacy affects not just how one feels about one’s abilities, but also the effort they put in, their resilience in the face of difficulties, and ultimately, the level of success they might achieve. The sample in the study consisted of 45 children aged between 8 to 14 years with various physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. They completed a self-efficacy scale before and after participating in a physical activity program, including 13 different exercises, over a period of eight months, with sessions twice weekly. The study found that after participating in physical activities for eight months, the children with disabilities showed significant improvements in their self-efficacy in four out of the six measured domains. This indicates that regular physical activity can positively impact the self-perception and confidence of children with disabilities, enhancing their belief in their capabilities in various aspects of life. However, there are limitations to consider, such as the small sample size and the specific range of disabilities included. Future research could expand the sample size and include a more diverse range of disabilities to generalize the findings. Additionally, exploring different types of physical activities and their specific impacts on various aspects of self-efficacy could provide more detailed insights. These considerations are important for developing more effective physical activity programs tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
