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Current research

Adapted equestrian vaulting and therapeutic riding

My team and I have worked with the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association to evaluate their vaulting program in terms of physical activity, muscle strength, and social interactions and how therapeutic riding promotes social connectedness.

Recent related publications

Bouthillier, S. A., Achtem, E., Meldrum, J., & Temple, V. A. (2023). Social connectedness through therapeutic riding: A case study. Horses in Education and Therapy International, 22(1), p.18. DOI https://doi.org/10.58862/GWXB8702

Lefeaux, V., Stuart-Hill, L., Sangret, H., Vipond, D., Nordquist, A., Busch, R., & Temple, V. A. (2022, May). The concurrent and predictive validity of a tool to measure strength engagement during inclusive equestrian vaulting. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 15(5); doi: 10.5507/euj.2021.010 https://eujapa.upol.cz/pdfs/euj/2022/01/05.pdf

Temple, V. A., Achtem, E., Sangret, H., Bouthillier, S., Stuart-Hill, L. (2019). A formative evaluation of an inclusive introductory equestrian vaulting camp. PALAESTRA, 33 (4), 33-39.

Special Olympics participation and outcomes

As a longstanding Special Olympics coach and researcher, I have conducted work on the outcomes of participating in Special Olympics and the health status of Special Olympics athletes.

Recent related publications

Lloyd, M., Temple, V. A., Foley, J. T., Yeatman, S., Lunsky, Y., Huang, A., & Balogh, R.  (2024). Participation in Special Olympics reduces the rate for developing diabetes in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Diabetic Medicine, DOI: 10.1111/dme.15393

Temple, V. A. & Field, S. C. (2023). Evaluation of the Special Olympics Canada Coaching Young Athletes Training: Part B How’s it going? A study of Active Start and FUNdamentals program implementation. PALAESTRA, 37(3), 5-10.

Coats, J.C., Coxon, M., Temple, V. A., Butler, C., & Stuart-Hill, L. (2023). Examining the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines among adults with intellectual disability: A pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(13), 6291. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136291

Temple, V. A. & Field, S. C. (2023). Evaluation of the Special Olympics Canada Coaching Young Athletes training: Part A. PALAESTRA, 37(2), 35 – 39.

Temple, V. A. (2022). COVID-19 pandemic and individuals with intellectual disability: Special Olympics as an example of organizational responses and challenges. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 39(3), 1 – 18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2021-0137

Processes of sport development among young children

This study is one of a series of studies examining the relationships between young children’s motor skill proficiency, their perceptions of physical competence, and participation in physical activity.

This study specifically focuses on enhancing our understanding of sport development processes in young children. We are examining the extent to which fundamental motor skill proficiency, perceptions of physical competence, and task value (importance, interest, and usefulness of sport) predict participation in sport, active recreation, and overall physical activity.

Recent related publications

Field, S., Foley, J., Naylor, P. J., & Temple, V. A. (2024). Perceptions Matter! Active Physical Recreation Participation of Children with High and Low Actual and Perceived Physical Competence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21, 1129, https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph21091129

Crane, J. R., Foley, J. T., & Temple, V. A. (2023). The influence of perceptions of competence on motor skills and physical activity in middle childhood: A test of mediation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(9), 5648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095648.