4D APA: Addressing the Multiple Dimensions of Adapted Physical Activity Scholarship

This essay proposes a puzzle analogous approach to understanding and extending the field of adapted physical activity (APA) for the enrichment of health and wellness for all, regardless of ability. This approach is called 4D APA because it considers four dimensions in discussing the vast APA field and related scholarship. The first two dimensions are the topics of physical activity and ability. The third dimension involves implementation in practice. The fourth dimension is time. This approach accounts for the fact that our perspectives and knowledge base, the questions that we ask, the needs of individuals and communities, and the conditions in which we work are dynamic and ever changing. In presenting this analogy, I argue that now is a crucial time to accept APA as a justice issue and one that the broader field of kinesiology and the National Academy of Kinesiology in particular need to champion.