Paweł Żychowicz

Dr. Paweł Żychowicz is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Adapted Physical Activity and Sport, Institute of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Motor Rehabilitation at the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow. He serves as Head of Department since 2010 and is the Rector's Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities since 2007. His academic career spans over two decades, progressing from Assistant to Assistant Professor at the institution.

Dr. Żychowicz received his PhD in Physical Culture Sciences in 2004, with a thesis focusing on biological development, body type, and motor skills in children and adolescents with visual impairment. He holds two master's degrees from the University of Physical Education in Krakow - in motor rehabilitation (1996) and physical education (1995).

His research interests center on adapted physical activity, occupational therapy for people with disabilities, and sports for people with disabilities. His work explores how physical activity and sports can serve as comprehensive rehabilitation tools for individuals with various disabilities, particularly focusing on children and youth populations. He investigates the relationship between physical fitness, somatic development, and motor skills in people with intellectual disabilities, and examines barriers to participation in extracurricular activities. His publications consistently address practical applications for improving quality of life through physical activity.

Dr. Żychowicz's publication record since 2009 shows a strong focus on disability studies and adapted physical activity. His recent work (2021-2024) has expanded into examining children's participation in extracurricular activities, wheelchair rugby training methodologies, and ergonomics in occupational therapy settings. His research demonstrates consistent thematic development with increasing sophistication in methodology and application.

• Member of Polish Rehabilitation Society (since 2012)
• Member of Polish Scientific Society of Adapted Physical Activity (since 2012)
• Member of Polish Occupational Therapy Association (since 2018)
• Reviewer for Postępy Rehabilitacji journal (2017-2019)

Dr. Żychowicz's practical experience extends beyond academia as Vice President for Sports at Special Olympics Poland-Lesser Poland since 2003. He has developed extensive expertise in adapted physical activity through various certifications including as a Nordic walking instructor, Halliwick instructor, and multiple sports coaching qualifications (athletics, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics). His teaching portfolio includes Adapted physical activity, Occupational therapy for people with intellectual disabilities, Inclusive physical activity, and Evidence-based physical activity planning.