Micah J. Dobson
YMCA LIVESTRONG PROGRAM EVALUATION
Dr. Barcelona
PRT 509: Program Evaluation for PRTS Programs and Services
Table of Contents:
Pgs. 3-4: The Danger of Cancer in the U.S. – Not Enough Physical Activity Pgs. 4-5: The Purpose of YMCA LIVESTRONG
Pg. 6: The Structure of YMCA LIVESTRONG Pg. 7: Questions Addressed through YMCA LIVESTRONG
Pgs. 8-9: Past Studies Pertaining to YMCA LIVESTRONG Pgs. 9-11: Population Served through YMCA LIVESTRONG
Pgs. 11-13: Data Corresponding & Measurement Tools through YMCA LIVESTRONG Pgs. 13-14: Resources Needed for the YMCA LIVESTRONG Program
Pg. 15: Works Cited Pgs. 16-21: Appendix
The Danger of Cancer in the U.S – Not Enough Physical Activity
Cancer has a major impact on society in the United States and across the world. Cancer statistics describe what happens in large groups of people and provide a picture in time of the burden cancer has on American society. Statistically speaking, in 2016, about 589,430 US residents are expected to die of cancer – that’s more than 1,600 people a day. Behind heart disease, cancer is the second-most common cause of death in the U.S. Unfortunately, 1 out of 4 deaths in the U.S. account for cancer, which is very disheartening.
As future Parks and Recreation Professionals, we know that physical activity is anything that gets your body moving and is the foundation of any successful recreation program. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that you do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health – aerobic and muscle-strengthening. The problem that many cancer survivors have is not receiving the proper physical activity. An individual knowing that he or she is diagnosed with cancer may lead to various types of depression and hopelessness. Physical activity is a way to help gain self-esteem throughout many different aspects of your personal well-being. Personally, in order to survive in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, pursuing physical fitness is something that takes my mind off of stress.
The LIVESTRONG program, through the YMCA of the U.S., is an all-exclusive 12-week program engaging cancer survivors in physical activity. The overall program currently serves
Hill. Class days and times are decided by the participants and vary from session to session or location but are recommended to meet twice weekly and last approximately 75 minutes. Each session is limited to 10 participants per session giving everyone a fair shot during each activity. Participants need to obtain medical clearance from their doctor before attending LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.
Through the program, certified YMCA instructors help patients build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve energy levels and self-esteem. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on the whole person, not just the disease. YMCA instructors are trained in post-rehab exercise, nutrition and supportive cancer care.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at no charge to participants, thanks to the support from the YMCA's Annual Campaign.
The Purpose of YMCA LIVESTRONG
The purpose of this evaluation will be through: Needs assessment, program process evaluation and program outcomes/impact assessment. Throughout the program, a process of collecting data will be measured by the percentage of participants registered and enrolled in physical activities on a daily basis. A software tracking system will be in place to track the final outcome report of programs and activities that were implemented by participants through a log-in system with a card that will be scanned during each session. The attendance tracking software is the official tracking system that will used in tracking appropriate data for the LIVESTRONG program.
method established in the beginning of each type of physical activity. For example, cycling is one of the best forms of exercise amongst women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. If the activity given during that session is cycling, prior to the workout, individuals will watch a short video on the impact cycling has not only on breast cancer but the human body from a holistic standpoint.
As a result, the formative approach will be used to monitor progress. In retrospective, the summative approach will be administered to track the overall outcome of the program. Each type of activity associated with the program during each session will be filed and posted via social media so members can see themselves in action. At the end of the program, a final seminar for all participants will be given as a celebration of their achievement through the 12-week program
Looking specifically at the setbacks that may approach are individuals not being comfortable with being recorded or members not fully grasping the concept of a type of physical activity offered. For instance, if I am a middle-aged woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer and the schedule that meets my availability is cycling, if I have never cycled before, I may not be interested in attending based off a lack of interest. To alleviate this problem, before members are accepted into the program, a list of the different types of cancers will be mentioned in a welcome letter to participants as well as a list of physical activities that will be implemented during the duration of the 12-week program.
The Structure of YMCA LIVESTRONG
Questions Addressed through YMCA LIVESTRONG
The three specific questions that will evaluate the overall structure of the program are as follows:
1. What skills did you learn today in this program that you can use? For instance, what did you learn in today’s session of cardio that you can use once you leave.
2. How will you apply the skills you learned in this program? For instance, what activities can you do at home to supplement physical fitness during your leisure.
3. In what way was this program useful to you? For instance, physical activity may lower the risk of cancer by preventing obesity, reducing inflammation and hormone levels, and improving insulin resistance and immune system function. Research shows that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of several types of cancers,
including breast cancer and colon cancer.
These questions will give a comprehensive perspective on the inclusive vision of the impact the program has had on individuals distinctly. Awareness is the primary goal in asking questions as a final assessment. Clearly-stated learning goals give participants a way to think and talk about what they have learned. These questions make it easier for participants to express “what they know” and give participants a language to communicate “what they know” to others who may not be familiar with the various types of cancers.
Past Studies Pertaining to YMCA LIVESTRONG
To enumerate, there were two articles that sparked interest in regards to the LIVESTRONG program. In a recent article entitled “Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials”, this article elaborates on a study conducted with patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, and how the correlation between the disease and physical activity play a massive impact on one another. In this article, 34 trials were conducted where 65% of the patients suffered from breast cancer. Aerobic exercise and strength training such as cycling were assessed during the study to establish how these two types of physical activities decreased the risk of breast cancer. The study showed that physical activity was in fact associated with improvements in insulin-like growth factor, bench press, leg press, fatigue, depression, and overall quality of life. As a result, physical activity has an affirmative effect on physical functions, and individuals much needed satisfaction. In correspondence to the program, this article gave much needed insight on how cancer may or may not affect someone diagnosed with the disease.
Moreover, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention partnered with the LIVESTRONG Foundation in creating a plan to address the issues faced by the growing number of cancer survivors living with, through, and beyond cancer. In this plan, 100 experts in cancer survivorship and public health were combined together to identify and prioritize cancer survivorship needs and propose strategies for addressing those needs within four core public health domains: Surveillance and applied research;
to quality care and services. The main focus established was creating a greater awareness among the general public, policy makers, researchers, and advocates, as well as realizing the need to take action among organizations around the U.S.
Population Served through YMCA LIVESTRONG
The population that will serve this program will strike heavily on middle-age to older women in addition to middle-age to older men. The population is listed below:
According to the YMCA of the Triangle’s Annual Report, out of the 128 members served, 67 members are females, and 61 males. The age breakdown is as follows:
Male Female
Age Age
40-50: 15 members 40-50: 12 members
50-60: 20 members 50-60: 45 members
60-70: 26 members 60-70: 10 members
The North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics gathers information yearly in regards to the entire state of NC’s cancer population. Below is a representation of the data collected from the NC Health and Human Services-Cancer Incident Rates:
Data Corresponding & Measurement Tools through YMCA LIVESTRONG
Before individuals are admitted into the program, there will be a pre-admittance program interview that will be conducted. During this interview, staff will go over specific goals that
will be given to participants before the initial start of the program. Questions on this pre-test and information on the flyer will analyze and accommodate prior knowledge individuals have on the different types of cancers that will be examined, discussed, and reached throughout the program. One of the mandatory requirements prior to being admitted to the program is receiving
permission from an oncologist or physician for proof of eligibility to participate. Lastly,
prospective participants will be given a brief evaluation on various physical abilities so progress can be monitored and tracked for future success in the program. The forms filled out will not have a time-consuming scale, or a multiple of redundant questions, but just enough information to get a synopsis of the participant’s background as it pertains to past physical activity.
In this evaluation, the exact number of individuals in North Carolina who have been diagnosed with different types of cancer have been documented. Although the YMCA of the Triangle consists of four counties (Durham, Chatham, Lee and Wake), other individuals living in different counties may be interested in traveling to the Triangle YMCA for the program. Having other local individuals from surrounding NC counties partaking in this program, will allow more of an integrated approach when receiving essential program outcome evidence. Within this program a mixed method approach is used in collecting beneficial data. Quantitative research generates numerical data or information that can be converted into numbers. Qualitative Research, on the other hand, generates non-numerical data. In reference to the
“LIVESTRONG” program, quantitative data is used by looking specifically at the initial
numerical data from the beginning of the program as far as the percentage of individuals enrolled by cancer type, followed by an outcome of the program.
to an entire population of interest and the measurement of the incidence of various views and opinions will give quick results in a given sample. Appropriate data is collected thoroughly from the beginning of the program, throughout the program, and at the end for full accuracy of
participants engaged. This data includes but is not limited to; type of cancer, age of cancer survivor, and time and date of session or sessions attended. In order to ensure a strong response rate, a survey that is well creative and designed will be given in the beginning aside from the pre-test. A well-designed, attractive survey that is easy to complete will improve response rates as well as data accuracy. In general, making surveys easy to complete, will increase the likelihood that the respondents will participate. As the evaluator, I will make sure proper designated staff’s working this program are in charge of ensuring that each participant fill out a mobile or online survey at the end of the program.
Resources Needed for the YMCA LIVESTRONG Program
Additionally, the resources I will need to conduct my program evaluation are various exercise equipment that will implement different physical activity in reference to the different type of cancer treatments. The YMCA of the Triangle already gives the LIVESTRONG program access to these specific exercise equipment and facilities needed. As mentioned, physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, and other moderate to vigorous intensity
Potential barriers that will occur are individuals not being able to complete certain exercises due to various factors such as: Individuals not being physically active on a regular basis, individuals being uncomfortable due to weight, and individuals not properly understanding how to operate equipment associated with activity. In order to reach these barriers, before each session, instructors will re-enforce the YMCA’s mission statement and core values, “Putting Christian principles into practice through programs that help healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Core Values: Caring: to demonstrate a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being” in order to reshape the mindset of individuals who are less confident in succeeding.” (YMCA 2016).
The LIVESTRONG program will continue to reach thousands of people across the U.S in reshaping the mindset of people who are less confident about their health status in enabling them to continue to stay positive through every aspect of their day to day life. The program not only extends the human body, but also empowers the mind and soul of an individual who is destined for greatness in every measure of future health success. This program will be implemented for years to come and will persist to make a difference in the lives of others.
Works Cited
2009-2013 CANCER INCIDENCE RATES FOR SELECTED SITES. (2015, December). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from
http://www.schs.state.nc.us/schs/CCR/incidence/2013/5yearRates.pdf
About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.ymca.net/about-us/
Cancer Facts and Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/
Cancer Survivorship. (2015, April 02). Retrieved July 04, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivorship/what_cdc_is_doing/action_plan.htm
Economic Impact of Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/economic-impact-of-cancer
Garcia, D. O., & Thomson, C. A. (2014, October 24). Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship. Retrieved July 04, 2016, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4470419/
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. (2016). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from https://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/program/livestrong-at-the-ymca#
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA | LIVESTRONG.org. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.livestrongymca.org/#
Livestrong at the YMCA. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2016, from
https://www.ymcatriangle.org/programs-services/health-and-wellness/livestrong-ymca-0 Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors†. (2012, April 26). Retrieved July 04, 2016, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21142/full
Appendix
YMCA LIVESTRONG Program Survey:
