Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Lindsey L. Cohen.

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic illness that affects several major organ systems, primarily the respiratory system and the exocrine glands of the pancreatic system. The treatment regimen is extensive (e.g., medications, vitamins, high fat diet, airway clearance sessions). Although adherence to medications is high, adherence to the airway clearance techniques (chest physiotherapy and exercise) is less consistent. Increasing exercise adherence is of utmost importance because pulmonary difficulties are associated with the highest mortality rate and exercise is more beneficial than other airway clearance methods. Despite this, very little research has focused on increasing exercise adherence in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a token economy on increasing aerobic exercise in children with cystic fibrosis. As predicted, the token economy increased exercise for all three participants. Mixed results were found for the effects of regular exercise on participant's quality of life and attitudes towards exercise. Finally, regular exercise did not negatively impact the participants' pulmonary functioning or fitness level and participants demonstrated increased body fat percentage with one participant demonstrating increased body mass index as well. Treatment implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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