241246 Influence of a community based exercise program for people with mobility impairments and limitations on health indicators

Monday, October 31, 2011: 12:30 PM

David Gray, PHD , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Sue Tucker, MSOT, OTR/L , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Jessica Dashner, OTD OTR/L , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Kerri A. Morgan, MSOT OTR/L , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Holly H. Hollingsworth, PhD , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Lisa Garrett, BA , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Melissa Lyles, MSOT OTR/L , Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Carrie Morris, BA , Professor of Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
     
Many people with mobility impairments and limitations (PWMIL) are reported to be in poor health, live sedentary lives, do not exercise, and use health care services frequently. Many factors have been given for the lack of regular exercise by PWMIL (e.g., inaccessible gyms, lack of transportation, untrained staff). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 12-week client-centered community-based exercise offered by an accessible community site (i.e. independent living center) with accessible exercise equipment and provided support for transportation. Of 323 PWMIL who enrolled, 205 met the study criteria. The majority (109) completed the 12 week program while 96 did not. Reasons for not completing the exercise program concur with previous studies. The mean age of the total group was 50, 30% were African American and 69% had incomes of less than $35,000. The results indicate no change in some health status indicators (e.g., weight, BMI, resting heart rate, current pain), some change in others (e.g., report of monthly pain, rate of perceived exertion during arm endurance exercise) and strong support for changes in arm strength (i.e. 20% to 27% increase in weight lifted). These finding were seen in the data from all three device groups with power wheelchair users showing the greatest amount of improvement in upper extremity strength. The analysis by diagnostic conditions showed similar patterns of gains. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a community based exercise program for improving the health of PWMIL that could be replicated throughout this country.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the components of a successful community based exercise program for people with mobility impairments and limitations Explain the results of a 12 week exercise program on health status indicators. List program facilitators for providing exercise opportunities for people with mobility impairments and limitations

Keywords: Disability, Exercise

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified because I am the principal investigator of this foundation, community and government funded project. I designed the project, directed data collection, analyzed data and wrote reports on the project. I have worked in the field of disability research for 35 years. I was the Director of National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Deputy Director of the National Center on Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR). I have published scientific articles on this topic.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Health Promotion for Persons with Disabilities I: Intervention Programs
See more of: Disability