Could online programming reduce barriers for those with mobility impairments?

LONDON, ON – A new study at Lawson Health Research Institute will offer online exercise and behavioral intervention for adults who are mobility impaired. The goal is to reduce barriers to accessing activity programs.

“Many people with mobility concerns experience barriers to physical activity, such as fear of falling because of their past injuries,” says Dr. Swati Mehta, Lawson Scientist. “This project aims to help them cope and learn skills to continually, actively engage in physical activity.”

The 10-week virtual program is being coordinated through St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Parkwood Institute. It will consist of weekly personal behavioral coaching. Participants will also be asked to complete two or three group physical activity programs each week, such as seated aerobics, seated boxercise and seated yoga. 

“This study is really exciting because it brings together both behavioral coaching and physical activity classes, which are normally offered separately,” explains Dr. Dalton Wolfe, Lawson Scientist. “This provides extra support to help those with mobility impairments overcome barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle.”

Those barriers can include things like fatigue and transportation challenges that often accompany neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke.

“Ultimately this study is about enhancing quality of life and wellbeing while improving participants’ ability to engage in the community,” says Dr. Wolfe. 

The research team is currently recruiting 20 participants for the study. For more information on the study you can email @email.