Se muligheter sammen. Erfaringer med og betydningen av samtrening for olympiske- og paralympiske utøvere på Norges rolandslag

There is a growing interest in co-training for people with and without disabilities at both an Olympic and a recreational level. However we lack knowledge about how co-training works, how athletes, coaches and leaders experience co-training, and in what way it affects the athletes performance. The aim of this study was to develop knowledge about experiences related to co-training, and how co-training might strengthen the athletes’ occupational performance. A qualitative method was used. Six (N=6) athletes, coaches and leaders at the Norwegian national Rowing team were interviewed about their experiences. Data collected were analysed with inspiration from qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that co-training are related to framework conditions, development of the team and athletes performance, and good and inclusive team spirit. In conclusion this study demonstrates that a relational understanding of disability, as well taking into account the complexity of human occupation and occupational performance, seems of importance when designing co-training. Individual factors, available resources, group diversity, development of the team and athletes, and a good and inclusive team spirit might strengthen the athletes occupational performance.