Feasibility of a Nurse Led Sailing Program to Enhance Resilience Among Autistic School Aged Children
Other Titles
Feasibility of a Nurse-Led Community Sailing Program to Enhance Resilience Among Autistic Children [Title Slide]
Abstract
Promoting resilience and mental health among autistic children remains a global health priority, consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the World Health Organisation’s vision for inclusive, community based care. While existing interventions focus on functional outcomes, resilience among autistic children remains understudied. To address this gap, a nurse led community based sailing program was developed and implemented in partnership with Sailability Hong Kong.
A pilot assessor blinded, parallel group randomised controlled trial evaluated the program’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects. Children aged 7–12 years with autism diagnosis were recruited, then randomised to either: (1) an intervention group receiving a six day sailing program (four one hour sessions per day over six weeks), or (2) an attention control group participating in parallel six day crafting activities. Registered nurses and certified sailing instructors delivered the intervention, following a standardised intervention protocol. Feasibility indicators (recruitment, retention, attendance, and completion rates) and acceptability (process evaluations and field observations) were systematically collected and analysed.
The study demonstrated robust feasibility and safety. Recruitment eligibility was 65.5%, with high retention (sailing = 88.9%; control = 83.3%), substantial completion (sailing = 88.9%; control = 83.3%), and excellent attendance (> 90%). Feedback from participants and parents indicated strong satisfaction and perceived benefits for the child. Despite 83.3% of participants being non swimmers, adherence to safety protocols, including mandatory buoyancy aids and the use of Hansa 303 dinghies, resulted in zero adverse events. Preliminary analyses revealed a large and significant improvement in resilience (Hedges’ g = 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–2.75, p < 0.05).
This study provides evidence that nurse led sailing programs are feasible and acceptable and may enhance resilience among autistic children. The intervention exemplifies translational nursing science, integrating evidence [1-3] to embed health promotion and experiential learning within nursing practice. This collaboration illustrates how nursing innovation can extend beyond clinical settings, bridging research and practice through culturally responsive and globally relevant engagement, advancing Sigma’s mission to transform evidence into action and sustain global wellbeing.
Notes
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Sigma Membership
Pi Iota at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Sustainable Development Goals, Psychological Resilience, Autism, Autistic Children, Nursing Interventions, Nature
Recommended Citation
Fan, Myrian Sze Nga; Li, William Ho Cheung; Ho, Laurie Long Kwan; Rawbone, Kay; Choi, Kai Chow; Allen, Rob; Letterman, Trinitey; and Chair, Sek Ying, "Feasibility of a Nurse Led Sailing Program to Enhance Resilience Among Autistic School Aged Children" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 224.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/224
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-26
Feasibility of a Nurse Led Sailing Program to Enhance Resilience Among Autistic School Aged Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Promoting resilience and mental health among autistic children remains a global health priority, consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the World Health Organisation’s vision for inclusive, community based care. While existing interventions focus on functional outcomes, resilience among autistic children remains understudied. To address this gap, a nurse led community based sailing program was developed and implemented in partnership with Sailability Hong Kong.
A pilot assessor blinded, parallel group randomised controlled trial evaluated the program’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects. Children aged 7–12 years with autism diagnosis were recruited, then randomised to either: (1) an intervention group receiving a six day sailing program (four one hour sessions per day over six weeks), or (2) an attention control group participating in parallel six day crafting activities. Registered nurses and certified sailing instructors delivered the intervention, following a standardised intervention protocol. Feasibility indicators (recruitment, retention, attendance, and completion rates) and acceptability (process evaluations and field observations) were systematically collected and analysed.
The study demonstrated robust feasibility and safety. Recruitment eligibility was 65.5%, with high retention (sailing = 88.9%; control = 83.3%), substantial completion (sailing = 88.9%; control = 83.3%), and excellent attendance (> 90%). Feedback from participants and parents indicated strong satisfaction and perceived benefits for the child. Despite 83.3% of participants being non swimmers, adherence to safety protocols, including mandatory buoyancy aids and the use of Hansa 303 dinghies, resulted in zero adverse events. Preliminary analyses revealed a large and significant improvement in resilience (Hedges’ g = 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–2.75, p < 0.05).
This study provides evidence that nurse led sailing programs are feasible and acceptable and may enhance resilience among autistic children. The intervention exemplifies translational nursing science, integrating evidence [1-3] to embed health promotion and experiential learning within nursing practice. This collaboration illustrates how nursing innovation can extend beyond clinical settings, bridging research and practice through culturally responsive and globally relevant engagement, advancing Sigma’s mission to transform evidence into action and sustain global wellbeing.
Description
Explore a nurse led, interdisciplinary sailing program that fosters resilience in autistic children. This session presents pilot trial findings on the feasibility, safety, and potential of integrating adaptive sports and nursing science to advance inclusive, person centred care aligned with global health goals.