•  
  •  
 

ENERGY EXPENDITURE OF REMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADULTS WITH MOBILITY RELATED DISABILITIES

Abstract

Anna M Rice1, Anna M Gorczyca1, Joseph R Sherman1, Lyndsie M Koon2, Joseph E. Donnelly1, FACSM, & Richard A. Washburn1, FACSM

1University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; 2University of Kansas Lawrence, Lawrence, Kansas

PURPOSE: Opportunities for participation in physical activity (PA) are limited for adults with mobility related disabilities (MRDs). PA interventions delivered to groups of adults with MRDs in their homes using video conferencing may be an effective strategy for increasing PA in this population. The purpose of this sub-study was to quantify the energy expenditure (EE) of remotely delivered PA in adult volunteers with MRDs (6 wheelchair users, 8 ambulatory) participating in an 18-mo. weight management intervention that included weekly home-based group PA sessions delivered via video conferencing. METHODS: Group PA sessions, directed by an exercise trainer, included ~ 5 min. warm-up, ~ 30 min. of both aerobic and resistance training, and 5 min. stretching/cool down. EE (kcal/min) was assessed using a portable indirect calorimeter during ~25 min. of the aerobic and resistance training. PA sessions were modified based on MRD, as necessary, to insure they were applicable for all participants. Exercises to increase upper body strength, functionality, and flexibility were primarily utilized to improve activities of daily living. However, ambulatory participants were encouraged to stand for the duration of the session and involve lower extremities as tolerated. Differences in EE between wheelchair users and ambulatory participants were assessed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test and adjusted for body weight using a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Participants (N=14) were ~58 years old, 78% female, and 14% minority. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, minority, body weight) did not differ significantly between wheelchair users and ambulatory participants. However, the duration of the MRD was ~9 yrs. longer in wheelchair users compared with ambulatory participants. EE in ambulatory participants (3.2±0.7 kcal/min) approached the lower limit for moderate PA (3.5 kcal/min) and was significantly higher than the EE observed in wheelchair users (2.1±0.3 kcal/min) (p<0.05) which did not reach moderate intensity. CONCLUSION: Group-based remotely delivered interventions have the potential to deliver moderate intensity PA to ambulatory adults with MRDs in their homes. However, additional strategies to increase the intensity of these sessions, particularly for wheelchair users, should be developed and evaluated.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R01DK116669 and the Human Energy Balance Core at the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research (P20GM144269).

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS