Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants face significant health risks as they adapt to new cultures. These risks are exacerbated by their limited participation in preventative behaviours such as sports and physical activity. The review aimed to identify studies that examined the correlates of sport and physical activity participation in migrants. The systematic review identified 72 papers, including 6 interventions, 18 qualitative and 48 quantitative studies. The 44 identified correlates highlight the complexities involved in working with migrants. The correlates were grouped in four themes using the social ecological model; acculturation, demographic, psychosocial and environmental/organisational. The social ecological model identified general correlates such as social support and safety. However, there were unique correlates relating to individuals who are facing cultural changes such as acculturation and language. Overall, there is a lack of contextualisation of CALD migrants' sport and physical activity experiences because many studies fail to consider acculturation comprehensively.

A systematic literature review of sport and physical activity participation in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrant populations

Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners increasingly pay attention to sport and physical activity as a means and context for refugee wellbeing and integration, influenced by wider political and policy concerns about forced migration. Considering this growing scholarly and policy attention, it is timely to take stock of, and critically reflect on, recent developments in this field of research. This paper offers an integrative, critical review of the scientific literature on the topic. It critically synthesizes what is known about the sport and physical activity experiences of people with refugee and forced migrant backgrounds, and identifies key issues and directions for future research in this field. This review of contemporary academic literature comprises 83 publications derived from fourteen languages published between 1996 and 2019. It shows a substantial increase in the volume of published research on the topic in recent years (2017-2019). Published research is concentrated primarily in Western countries around the themes of health promotion, integration and social inclusion, and barriers and facilitators to participation in sport and physical activity. The findings foreground the use of policy categories, deficit approaches, and intersectionalities as three pressing challenges in this area of research. Based on this synthesis, the authors identify four research gaps that require attention in future research: the experiential (embodied emotional) dimensions of sport and physical activity, the need to decolonize research, the space for innovative methodologies, and research ethics.

/pdf/sport-refugees-and-forced-migration-a-critical-review-of-the-2awjkbko45.pdf

Sport, Refugees, and Forced Migration: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Current evidence suggests positive effects of exercise on posttraumatic stress symptoms; however, knowledge about how these effects are achieved is limited. Thus, this study aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of these effects. We performed a single case study of a war and torture survivor, who was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and who was participant of the sport and exercise therapy program Movi Kune. Participant observation was conducted as well as semi-structured interviews with the participant and his psychotherapist. Data analysis resulted in the proposal of different processes: The focus on bodily sensations related to an exposure effect, contributing to improvements in body awareness, coping behavior, and affect regulation, whereas the focus on playing related to an improved performance, presence, enjoyment, and mastery experiences, pointing toward distraction and motivational-restorative effects. The findings also advice to be cautious as participants may be exposed to negative sensations and trauma-related triggers.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1049732317744533

"In the Sport I Am Here": Therapeutic Processes and Health Effects of Sport and Exercise on PTSD.

While psychosocial interventions are underlined by most international models of refugee health care, few guidelines exist so far as to the implementation of specific programmes. In this chapter, a resource-oriented, trauma−sensitive approach to sport and physical activity is presented, aiming to promote health and psychosocial support among refugees. We first provide an overview of research on sport and physical activity with linguistically and culturally diverse migrants and with refugees from conflict regions in ‘new societies’ as well as in refugee camps. Furthermore, we outline some initiatives from the sport for development and peace field and different body- and movement-based approaches with people living with posttraumatic stress disorder. We then present some key issues relating to the implementation of sport and physical activity for promoting health and psychosocial support. Finally, we draw some conclusions regarding research needs and practical implications.

Dominik Lippert

Papers

Exploring flow in sport and exercise therapy with war and torture survivors