Development of a Socially Connected Exercise System for Wheelchair Users
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Physical activity (PA) levels among Veterans who use wheelchairs is very low despite the importance of PA in improving overall physical and mental health. Wheelchair users face many barriers to exercise above that of the general population including lack of transportation to PA facilities and programs, social support, motivation and access to accessible fitness equipment and knowledgeable trainers. Home-based fitness products involving access to live and on-demand video instruction and virtual reality applications have become widely popular and beneficial for increasing fitness and motivation among able-bodied individuals during the pandemic however they are not accessible or tailored to the needs of wheelchair users. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop a home-based upper arm exercise bike that will be compatible with video based instruction and virtual reality real-world riding apps that offer social components and motivational features.
Description
Veterans who use wheelchairs are often prescribed physical activity (PA) in an effort to manage weight and improve cardiovascular health and function however few wheelchair users are currently meeting the recommended amounts of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity (3 times per week \~30 minutes per session). There are many barriers to achieving ample PA including lack of transportation to PA facilities and programs, social support, motivation and access to accessible fitness equipment and knowledgeable trainers. An accessible, motivating, socially supported, and effective exercise option that…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * uses a wheelchair * medically stable (e.g. not currently undergoing rehabilitation or treatment for a medical problem) * has only the use of their upper limbs for exercise * lives within one hour driving time from the research center * has adequate upper limb strength and function to operate an arm ergometer * has obtained physician clearance to conduct moderate to vigorous exercise * has room in their home or residence to accommodate the ParaCycle and internet connection Exclusion Criteria: * history of fractures or dislocations in the upper extremity from which the p…
Location
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, Pennsylvania