Logo image
Back
Summative evaluation of a pilot aquatic exercise program for children with disabilities
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Summative evaluation of a pilot aquatic exercise program for children with disabilities

Maria Fragala-Pinkham, Margaret E. O'Neil and Stephen M. Haley
Disability and health journal, v 3(3), pp 162-170
2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2009.11.002
PMID: 21122781
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Aquatic exercise Children with disabilities Physical activity Program evaluation
Children with disabilities have lower physical activity levels and participate less in community-based sport and exercise programs than do children without disabilities. This in part is due to environmental barriers and lack of appropriate resources in these programs. Adaptive programs encouraging increased physical activity for children with disabilities are needed, and as these programs are developed, they should be critically evaluated. The purposes of this article are to describe a pilot aquatic exercise program for children with disabilities, to evaluate the program, and to determine areas of strength and areas needing modifications. A summative program evaluation design was used to assess this twice per week aquatic exercise program lasting 14 weeks. Sixteen children, ages 6-12 years, with developmental disabilities participated in the program. Children swam laps, participated in relay races and water basketball games, and performed arm and leg strengthening exercises using aquatic noodles, foam barbells, and water for resistance. Swimming skills, program evaluation questionnaires, physical activity questionnaires, and interviews of pool site directors were used to determine program outcomes. Findings suggest that children made improvements in their swimming skills, parents were satisfied with the program, and children increased their physical activity levels during the program and maintained the increased physical activity levels six months after the program ended. The program continued in some form after the 14-week intervention ended. The program was successful in achieving its objectives and recommendations for application of this program are provided.

Metrics

9 Record Views
33 citations in Web of Science
35 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Health Care Sciences & Services
Health Policy & Services
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rehabilitation
Logo image