Correlation between longevity of participation, and well-being of those in the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program
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Date
2007-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Correlation between longevity of participation, and well-being of those in the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program
Kyle W. Dorsey, Jill E. Clutter PhD, CHES Georgianna Sergakis PhD, RRT
Background: Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and its prevalence is expected to increase as the U.S. population ages. With the aging of the baby boomers, the number of individuals affected and the associated disabilities will quickly escalate. While arthritis treatments are often measured in terms of physical outcomes, psychosocial benefits and perceived benefits may be manifested as well.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program for its psychosocial benefits and perceived benefits in correlation with longevity of participation. Acquiring such information will not only help solicit the program to those not currently involved, but also help continue to improve the overall quality of life of the current enrollees.
Methods: This study analyzes the psychosocial aspects of the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program through the use of the SF-12 Health Survey. The surveys were personally distributed to the participants in the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program that were randomly selected. Data was entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 15.) for compilation and analyses. A descriptive data analysis was used to answer the research questions.
Conclusions: The data explains the relationship between the longevity of participation and the attitudes of the participants; the likelihood the participants who are enrolled to continue their commitment to the program, and the perceived benefits of the participants in the Arthritis Foundation's Aquatic Program. No relationship was found between longevity of participation and the attitudes and perceived benefits of the participants in the Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program. Although this statistic is true, it is likely that those who are enrolled in the program will continue to maintain their attendance in the program.
Description
First Place at The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum; Health Professionals Clinical
Keywords
Arthritis, Aquatic, Exercise