EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY ON PARTICIPATION IN COMPETITIVE PARA-ROWERS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Background: Understanding the biopsychosocial characteristics that influence competitive para-rowers’ participation is essential to help athletes address disability-related fears and apprehensions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has gained increasing attention as an intervention to enhance mental resilience and overcome cognitive barriers, but its role in para-rowing remains underexplored. Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the impact of biopsychosocial factors on para-rowing participation and to explore how CBT contributes to improving resilience, participation, and performance in para-rowers. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, and the Patterns–Advances–Gaps–Evidence for Practice–Recommendations (PAGER) framework. A comprehensive search was undertaken in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, as well as grey literature sources, from inception to January 5, 2025. Eligible data were extracted and presented in tabular form. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that biopsychosocial factors substantially influence athletes’ resilience and participation in para-rowing. CBT interventions were reported to improve confidence, participation, and performance, although the magnitude of effect varied across studies. Conclusion: CBT appears to play a significant role in enhancing participation and performance among para-rowers by addressing psychological barriers and fostering resilience. Further research is warranted to establish consistent evidence and optimize intervention strategies. Key words: Cognitive behavioural therapy, para-rowing, psychosocial aspects, resilience, participation