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
Recommended Citation
Childs, Steven, "Evaluation of a family fitness program: The Fit Fam program" (2018). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 229.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/229
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