The effects of physical activity on the health status of individuals with disabilities

Galli, Jessica M.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/16206 Copy

Description

Title

The effects of physical activity on the health status of individuals with disabilities

Author(s)

Galli, Jessica M.

Issue Date

2010-05-19T18:40:35Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Farner, Susan M.

Department of Study

Kinesiology & Community Health

Discipline

Community Health

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Disability
• physical activity
• health status

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if a difference in health status exists between the population of individuals with a disability and the population of individuals without a disability. And to examine the effects of physical activity on the health status of individuals with and without disabilities. Methods: This study was completed using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a national health survey conducted by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC). The total number of individuals from the BRFSS that were analyzed within this study is 430,912 participants. Data were analyzed and compared along criteria set within the purpose of the research study. Results: Prior to running statistics, participants were divided based on their response to the following question from Section 14: Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems? All correlations calculated using chi-squared were significant (P < 0.05). Results are considered significant not only by statistical calculations but also by deductive reasoning by the researcher. Conclusion: The major findings from this research project show a disparity in health status between individuals with and individuals without a disability. Overall, individuals with a disability appear to be less healthy than individuals without a disability. This difference was found in the two main areas of this study that examined health status: general health and healthy days. Despite these differences, the results supported the hypothesis that physical activity would positively influence health status for both populations.

Graduation Semester

2010-5

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16206

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2010 Jessica M. Galli

Owning Collections