The level of physical activity participation among individuals with disabilities is substantially lower than individuals without disabilities, which is largely attributed to attitudinal,environmental, and programmatic barriers. There is a pressing societal need for tailored physical activity programs that promote healthy behaviors, habits, and routines for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Experience project, in collaboration with Empower Sports, was to develop a fitness program for individuals with disabilities to increase physical activity and develop psychosocial skills. A physical fitness program was developed for 15 individuals with varying disabilities ranging from 13-33 years old at an adventure sports center. Data obtained from activity action tracker watches revealed a positive trend of the participant group's average steps, calories, and distance traveled per session over eight weeks. Additionally, overall positive feedback was received during a focus group from parents of the participants related to the impact of the program on their child, most notably in the areas of self-confidence, social skills, and volition. These findings suggest that participation in non- traditional forms of physical activity for individuals with disabilities can have physical and psychosocial benefits that may contribute to improved occupational performance and enhanced quality of life.

Creator

• Rhodes, Morgan

Contributors

• Howard, Brenda S.

Publisher

• University of Indianapolis

Language

• en

Identifier

• Rhodes.M.OTD.2019.pdf

Keyword

• Occupational Therapy

Date created

• May, 2019

Resource type

• Dissertation

Source

• S54

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/