Graduation Date

Fall 2018

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Teaching/Coaching

Committee Chair Name

Jill Pawlowski

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

Chris Hopper

Second Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Third Committee Member Name

David Adams

Third Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Children with disabilities, Physical activity levels, Physical fitness, Community based fitness program, Program evaluation, Focus group interview

Subject Categories

Kinesiology

Abstract

Background: One method to increase physical activity levels and overall health of children with disabilities is to involve entire families in physical activity programs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seven-week self-directed fitness program, the Fit Fam program. Methods: Six parents of children aged six to 20 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) participated in a one week in-person educational fitness program prior to participating in a seven-week self-directed family fitness program in which participants utilized skills learned and a provided, individually-tailored physical activity program for their family and tracked each family members physical activity on a weekly basis. Parents completed an evaluation survey following the in-person educational portion of the program and a focus group at the conclusion of the full program. Results: The focus group discussion was transcribed and analyzed and the following themes were found: improved self-esteem of children with disabilities, the benefits of having a fully inclusive program for the whole family, barriers to engaging in physical activity as a family outside of the program, and program feedback. Discussion/Conclusion: Participants reported that their children experienced improved self-esteem and an increased desire to engage in physical activity following the in-person portion of the program, which is consistent with other studies involving similar programs. Only one family tracked their physical activity levels throughout the self-directed portion of Fit Fam. Although the intended outcomes of increased physical activity levels and improved physical ability were not achieved, adult participants reported an improved outlook on engaging in physical activity as a family and participating in inclusive programs.

Citation Style

APA

2019 06-05 IRB.pdf (223 kB)
IRB Approval Memo

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