Thesis
Individuals' and Parents' of Individuals Living with SMA Type II Perspective of Exercise
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00391
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic - autosomal recessive - degenerative neuromuscular condition. SMA causes proximal muscle weakness and muscle atrophy affecting motor function ability and life expectancy. As SMA is currently incurable individuals living with SMA are reliant on medical and allied health interventions to treat their symptoms and prolong their life. SMA Type II is classified as having symptom onset of 6 - 18 months and sitting as the highest motor function achieved. Exercise is a treatment option recommended by the Consensus Statement for Standard of Care in SMA for individuals living with SMA Type II. An individual's decision to engage in exercise is influenced by their perceptions about exercise and those held by their social network. There is limited research into perceptions of exercise for individuals and parents of individuals living with a degenerative neuromuscular disease (NMD). The aim of this research was to explore exercise from the perspective of individuals and parents of individuals living with SMA Type II including perceptions about: 1) the effectiveness of individuals' past and current exercise engagement to treat the symptoms and slow the progression of SMA Type II; 2) the value of exercise in treating the symptoms of SMA Type II; and 3) exercise determinants. Participation was open to individuals of all ages within Australia diagnosed with SMA Type II and their parents or guardians. An explanatory sequential mixed methods methodology was used. The Theory of Planned Behaviour and the social ecological model of physical activity were used as the theoretical lens. An online questionnaire was distributed through the SMA Association of Australia, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Australia with the option for participants to subsequently engage in semistructured, in-person interviews
Details
- Title
- Individuals' and Parents' of Individuals Living with SMA Type II Perspective of Exercise
- Authors
- Marissa Hoey
- Contributors
- Jane A Taylor (Supervisor)Rebecca Mellifont (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00391
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451458802621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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