'Finding a good thing': the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate an exercise class and promote exercise for adults with mobility impairments.

Abstract

Physical inactivity in people with severe disabilities is common and has severe consequences. Conditioning classes are one way to increase activity and promote its health related outcomes. This paper reports the results of an evaluation of a community based conditioning class for adults with mobility impairments. The study uses two methods with two samples: a quantitative self-report methodology and a quantitative interview. The quantitative evaluation found no significant increases in standard self-report measures of physical activity, functional status, quality of life, depression, or exercise self-efficacy. The lack of significant quantitative results may be due to limits in study design. The open-ended qualitative interviews with 16 class participants show important physical, social and psychological improvements. The juxtaposition of these two perspectives allows researchers to recognize the limitations in their choice of methods and the challenges faced by researchers evaluating small community based programmes for this limited population. In this case, the qualitative evaluation captured the positive experiences of the exercise class participants.