Effects of a community-based exercise program on secondary conditions and participation in individuals with mobility impairments

The purpose of the presentation is to discuss a research study which describes the effects of a community-based exercise program for people with mobility impairments. The aims of the research study are the following: 1) To measure changes in health status among participants, specifically in regards to secondary conditions; 2) To measure changes in participation in the home and community; 3) To determine the relationship, if one exists, between exercise, secondary conditions, and participation. A within-groups single factor repeated measures design was used to measure the effects of the exercise program among 60 adults with mobility impairments. Prior to beginning exercise, participants completed a baseline survey and attended an orientation at the exercise facility. A personalized exercise program was created for each participant, and all participants exercised a minimum of one time per week for 12 weeks. All participants exercised at the Enabling Mobility Center, an accessible, community-based facility, and data was collected on self-reported frequency/severity of secondary conditions, strength and endurance, health-related limitations to participation, and frequency/quality of participation. In a preliminary study, 22 adults with mobility impairments exercised for 12 weeks and showed improvement in secondary conditions experienced. 12 out of 19 secondary conditions decreased in prevalence among exercisers from baseline to 3 months. Results from the current study will be discussed in this presentation. In addition, questions will be posed to senior investigators and fellow students in the student research roundtable discussion for future directions in health and wellness research for individuals with mobility impairments.