Perceptions of group and personal influences and effectiveness among disabled and able-bodied members of a Russian wheelchair expedition

Group and individual processes and interactions were studied in a six month wheelchair marathon that covered approximately 15,000 km. in Russia. Three disabled athletes and four able-bodied staff including the leader completed a questionnaire each evening that assessed task and group variables, and perceived physical exertion. A structured interview was conducted with each team member near the end of the expedition which examined experiences of stress, coping, personal motivation and growth, and task performance over the course of the expedition. Clarity of understanding the daily schedule was highly associated with perceptions of friendliness among group members, and ratings of fairness and quality of others' decisions. Helpfulness of disabled team and escort group were reciprocally related. Perceived exertion was negatively associated with adequancy of decision processes. Primary motivations for participation by disabled team members were to learn more about and test themselves, and make the general public more sensitive to the need for better services for the disabled in Russia. An additional motivation for some was the opportunity to travel.