Sensory Processing Characteristics of Paragliders: Evidence From a Comparative Study on Sensory Registration,Sensitivity,and Seeking

Abstract

Background: Paragliders may exhibit enhanced motor and sensory skills compared to the general population, as a result of the intense environmental demands associated with their sport. Understanding whether differences exist can provide insights into how amateur paragliders process sensory information, which can inform training methodologies, safety protocols, and post-injury rehabilitation strategies. Purpose: This exploratory study aimed to investigate sensory processing differences between amateur paragliders and non-extreme sports. Research Design and Study Sample: It is a quantitative comparative study involving 30 paragliding participants and 30 non-paragliding participants, all aged between 19 and 25 years. Data Collection: Participants completed the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (ASP). Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the paragliding and non-extreme sports’ groups in the low registration, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity quadrants of the ASP (p < .05). Conclusions: This study highlights distinct sensory processing profiles characterized by low registration, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity scores that are more typical of this paragliding sample. These sensory characteristics may help explain individuals’ participation in high-risk activities by enabling them to tolerate or adapt to intense environmental stimuli. A better understanding of these traits can inform tailored training or safety strategies, potentially enhancing both performance and risk management among amateur paragliders.

Keywords

extreme sports paragliding sensory sensory processing regulation

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