Activity Title: Bowling.

Source: Staron, L. (2002, May 15). Adaptive Activities - Bowling. Retrieved from
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/bowling.htm
Equipment: Plastic bowling pins, bowling ball, and space to set up pins, bowling
alley.
Activity Description: Bowling is a very popular recreational and competitive
activity enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. It is an indoor or outdoor activity with
minimal equipment adaptations and is easily accessible across the country. The
activity should be done in small groups or individual activity and their should be 1
CTRS for every 4 participants. The bowling ball should be adapted for the resident's
needs, but must be large/heavy enough to knock the pins down when contact is
made. The objective of this activity is for each participant to achieve success in
knocking down bowling pins. This activity is a two day activity, the first day is
bowling outdoors, and the second day is going to an actual bowling alley. The
participants can compare between the two days and discuss with the group which
day they found more enjoyable. On day one the CTRS will set up a few or all ten
plastic pins. The participant will stand at a distance in which he/ she can
successfully roll or throw the ball to knock down the bowling pins. Adaptability is
important. Assess how each participant is able to project the ball towards the pins.
Have participants take turns. Be sure to encourage participation and praise when
pins are knocked down or missed. Participation and fun are the most important
outcomes. On day two the group will be taken to a bowling center and they will play
following the same rules as day one. Adaptations will need to be made with the
proper equipments. At the end of day two the group will sit together and discuss
their experience and which day they enjoyed more.
Leadership Considerations: The role of the CTRS is to be instructional,
observational, and hands-on. It is important that the CTRS explain the rules of the
game, and demonstrate the proper ways to participate in the activity. The CTRS
must observe their group and make sure that each participant has the proper
equipment needed to play the game (ex. appropriate weight of bowling ball, guide
rails, bowling shoes at alley, etc). The CTRS must be ready to assist the participants
if they need the help, such as carrying bowling ball or getting into the correct
position. It is also important to make sure that the participants do not get hurt
during the activity. The CTRS should constantly praise the participant when they do
a good job to ensure a positive experience.
Adaptations: Participants with Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is part of a group of
birth defects called neural tube defects. "The neural tube is the embryonic structure
that eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord and the tissues that
enclose them" (Mayo Clinic). In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube
fails to develop or close properly, causing defects in the spinal cord and in the

bones of the spine. There are various forms of severity in Spina Bifida. If treatment
is necessary it is done surgically, although such treatment doesn't always
completely resolve the problem. Rehabilitation for SB includes physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and recreational therapy. Recreational therapy is helpful to
encourage independence by increasing play and recreational skills. Recreational and
physical fitness target weight control, and improved fitness such as flexibility,
strength, working capacity, and coordination. RT can help encourage independence
with adult living skills. For this activity there are a few adaptations that can be made
for participants with Spina bifida. First, the participants can use ball ramps. If the
individual is in a wheelchair then the ball ramp would be accessed from a sitting
position. Ball ramps allow individuals who are unable to throw a bowling ball to
participate in bowling. "The most popular ramps are made of tubular aluminum that
is lightweight and disassembles easily for storage" (My child without limits).
Participants can also use what is known as a Poss-I-Bowl, which is a switchcontrolled device that attaches to any tubular bowling ramp. The participant presses
a switch that releases the ball that travels down the ramp and onto the lane.
Another adaptation can be with the use of "Ball pushers." Ball pushers or bowling
sticks can be used from a standing or sitting position and provides the participant
with increased control over the force of the throw and the angle at which the ball
travels down the lane.
Participants that have Low Vision. Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes
everyday tasks difficult. "A person with low vision may find it difficult or impossible
to accomplish activities such as reading, writing, shopping, watching television,
driving a car or recognizing faces" (American Academy of Opthamology, 2010).
When someone's vision cannot be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine or
surgery, people with low vision may need help to learn how to make the most of
their remaining sight and keep their independence. Vision loss does not mean you
have to give up your activities, but it does mean finding new ways of doing them.
There are many recreation and leisure activities that can be adapted for people who
have low vision. Bowling by persons who have low vision is not only possible but is
also highly competitive. For this activity there are a couple adaptive methods one
can use so that the individual can participate. These adaptative methods are:
sighted guidance or a guide rail. Sighted guidance means having a sighted assistant
that aligns the bowler with low vision on the approach before the delivery. The
bowler is aligned on the spot from which he or she wishes to execute the delivery.
Another adaptive method are the guide rails, which can help with both your
approach and delivery. The guide rails are easy to assemble and can help guide you
straight toward the pins. They are held in place on the bowling approach by the
weight of the bowling balls and can be used in any bowling center without
damaging the lanes. The bowler slides one hand along the rail while releasing the
ball with the other hand, noting his or her starting position in relation to the guide
rail. The CTRS should call the bowling center prior to arrival to see if the center
already has these guide rails in place or available for loan. The CTRS can also use

bright colored bowling pins and balls, or even do the activity outdoor during the day
to allow plenty of lights to help the participants see their targets and it gives
contrast against the lane.