Effects of an exercise intervention on participation reported by people with disabilities: A mixed methods randomized trial. Issue 3 (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ravesloot, Craig; Myers, Andrew; Santasier, Anita; Ward, Bryce
• Is Part Of: Disability and health journal. Volume 15:Issue 3(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Exercise -- Community participation -- Mobility impairment -- Social activities -- Recreational activities; People with disabilities -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Disabled Persons -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1936-6574

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Despite a long history of research on the benefits of exercise for people with mobility impairments, little is known about how exercise affects participation in their daily activities. Objective: This randomized mixed-methods study examined the effects of participating in a structured community-based exercise program on pain, depression, fatigue, exertion and participation in daily activities. Method: Study participants were recruited from a population-based sample of people who returned a survey ( n = 800) and indicated they would be willing to participate in another study. The intervention group was randomly assigned to participate in a physical therapy evaluation and 30 exercise sessions within four months and the control group completed measures only. Ecological momentary assessment and a daily diary was used to evaluate treatment outcomes for the intervention relative to the control group on pain, depression, fatigue, exertion and participation in high exertion activities. We also interviewed a subset of intervention participants to solicit their lived experience from engaging in the exercise intervention. Results: Exercise intervention participants reported 28% less pain and 19% less fatigue than control participants. They also reported engaging in 11% more bathing and grooming, 22% more household chores, and left their homes 13% more than control participants. These results were mirrored in qualitative interview results. Conclusions: Participating in an exercise program leads to less pain and fatigue and more participation in activities that require relatively high levels of exertion like bathing and leaving home.