Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8962-3965

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Agiovlasitis, Stamatis

Committee Member

Sergi, Katerina

Committee Member

Twietmeyer, Gregg

Committee Member

Oreskovic, Nicolas M.

Date of Degree

5-13-2022

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Kinesiology

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Kinesiology

Abstract

Identifying factors that influence physical activity (PA) among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is essential for PA promotion. Insight can be gained from guardians and health professionals. The purpose was to compare guardians and health professional perspectives on facilitators and barriers of PA in individuals with DS. Interviews were conducted with 11 guardians (5 mothers, 4 fathers, 2 legal guardians) and 11 professionals (4 PA specialists, 3 physical therapists, 4 occupational therapists). Grounded Theory was applied to data analysis. Barriers and facilitators fit the levels of the Ecological Model of Health Behavior: (a) Intrapersonal (perceived rewards); (b) Interpersonal (interaction); (c) Community (availability of programs); (d) Organizational (school systems); (e) Policy (education). Guardians and professionals agreed on the importance of enjoyment, interaction, and programs to promote PA. Differences were found among organizational and policy levels. PA in persons with DS is influenced by interactions between individual and environmental factors.

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