TRJ Call for Papers

Therapeutic Recreation Journal (TRJ) Call for Papers:

Special Issue on "Collaborative Practices and Physical Activity"

This special issue will address collaborative practices and physical activity. Authors may combine these topics into one manuscript or address a topic specifically. It is well documented that collaborative partnerships can enhance the delivery of therapeutic services throughout the continuum of care and improve outcome-based research (Shank, Coyle, Boyd, & Kinney, 1996). In hospital and rehabilitative settings, partners may include treatment team members, administrators, patients, and family members. In community settings, partners may include social service agencies, schools, community recreation providers, and family (Scholl, Dieser, & Davidson, 2005). Establishing a collaborative relationship implies that two or more parties share a common goal such as delivery of physical activity programs and each has a vital role in accomplishing that goal. Inherent in this relationship is the need for clear communication, shared decision-making, mutual respect, and pooling of resources (Klitzing, 2002). If successful, all parties can accomplish more than they could individually, and the result is enhanced outcomes for the patient. However, collaboration requires considerable effort to foster a mutual understanding and time to develop the required skills and basic functions critical to the team's success (Connolly & Novak, 2002). This special issue will explore collaborative practices that have positively impacted service delivery and resulted in innovative programs or research in therapeutic recreation.
Physical activity and exercise have received considerable attention for their role in the prevention and treatment of disease. Physical activity is considered by many national and global health authorities to be one of the most important activities that individuals can regularly do to improve health (National Physical Activity Plan, 2011). Regular physical activity and exercise can help control weight, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of some cancers, strengthen muscle and bones, improve mental health and mood, and increase longevity (CDC, 2011). However, individuals with disabilities face a unique set of barriers in their quest to be active (Rimmer, Riley, Wang, Rauworth, & Jurkowski, 2004). Through their positions and in partnership with health and human service colleagues, Therapeutic Recreation Specialists assume key roles in the delivery of interventions that encourage healthy lifestyles for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions (Mobily, 2009). This special issue will explore the intersection between therapeutic recreation and physical activity.

The expected publication date is Fall 2012 and will therefore have a quick timeline for completion of reviews and publication. Authors should email a brief letter of intent to the editors by February 15, 2012. Submission will undergo the standard double-blind review process. All electronic submissions must be completed by May 1, 2012. Manuscripts should follow the TRJ guidelines.

Potential authors should direct questions to Guest Co-Editors:

Dr Diane Groff, TRS/CTRS
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
University of NC at Chapel Hill
CB 8700; 306 Woollen Gym
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700
Phone: (919) 962-0534
Email: groff@email.unc.edu

Dean A. Zoerink, Ph.D., CTRS
Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration
1 University Circle
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: (309)298-2698
Email: da-zoerink@wiu.edu

References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Physical activity for everyone. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html

Connolly, P. M., & Novak, J. M. (2002). Teaching collaboration: A demonstration model. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 6(6), 183-190.

Klitzing, S. W. (2002, May). The best practices for successful inclusion. Parks & Recreation, 37(5), 60. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA86505435&v=2.1&u=unc_main&it=r&p=GRGM&sw=w.

Mobily, K. (2009). Role of exercise and physical activity in therapeutic recreation services. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 39(2), p. 9-26.

National Physical Activity Plan. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/index.php

Rimmer, J. H., Riley, B., Wang, E., Rauworth, A., & Jurkowski, J. (2004). Physical activity participation among persons with disabilities. Journal of Preventive Medicine, 26(5), 419-425.

Scholl, K., Dieser, R., & Davison, A. (2005). Together we play: An ecological approach to inclusive recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 39(4), p. 299-311.

Shank, J. W., Coyle, C. P., Boyd, R., & Kinney, W. B. (1996). A classification scheme for therapeutic recreation research grounded in the rehabilitative sciences. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 30(3), p. 179-196.

Editorial Guidelines for Authors
All submitted articles should follow American Psychological Association (APA, Sixth Edition) format.