Archives of CHP Research, News, & Events
In the August 2009 issue of Disability Scoop, Amy Rauworth of NCPAD talks about fitness for people with disabilities.
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NCPAD’s 14 Week Program to a Healthier You
In February 2009, over 700 individuals with disabilities, including group facilitators from various organizations, signed up for NCPAD’s 14 Week Program to a Healthier You. This virtual training program features weekly email tips on topics such as nutrition, workout ideas, fitness equipment, weather, motivational tools, written and video resources, and more. Also, participants will have exclusive access to our physical activity and nutrition experts who will provide personalized guidance during this 14-week program.
For more information, please visit |
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PEP II Video
PEPRx is a personalized telephone-based wellness coaching study focusing on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition so that people with physical disabilities can reduce secondary conditions, improve their overall health status and enjoy an improved quality of life. This video depicts an example of a coaching call which uses the principles of motivational interviewing to assist in behavior change. Motivational interviewing is a focused and goal-directed counseling style that is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
To learn more about the PEP Rx study, click here. |
NOTE: RealPlayer is required to view each videoclip.
Click here to watch a video depicting an example of a coaching call |
DRRP Data
Analyses of data from six hundred and sixty-two parents who responded to the first national online survey focusing on the health of adolescents with disabilities, “Health and Lifestyles of Youth with Disabilities,” showed that there are substantial health disparities between youth with and without disabilities, as noted by the prevalence of higher rates of obesity and secondary/chronic health conditions in youth with disabilities. Overall prevalence of obese youth with disabilities was 17.5% compared to 13.0% for youth without disabilities. Ambulatory youth with disabilities had a significantly higher rate of obesity compared to non-ambulatory youth (21.1% vs. 10.1%). 71.6% of youth reported having at least one secondary condition. Common secondary conditions included gastrointestinal diseases, asthma, depression, low self-esteem, and fatigue. Obese/overweight youth with disabilities tended to report a higher prevalence of secondary conditions compared to healthy weight youth regardless of their ambulatory status.
For more information about the DRRP study, click here. |
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LHID's goes to Special Olympics
In mid-February 2009, James Rimmer, Kelly Hsieh, and Benjamin Graham spent five days in Boise, Idaho, at the Special Olympics World Games to begin collecting data on the health status and health behaviors of 2,000 adults with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the study, which is jointly funded by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Intellectual Disabilities and Special Olympics International (SOI), is to examine over a 5-year period changes in health status and health behaviors (e.g.. physical activity, nutrition, oral health, smoking, alcohol consumption) among adults 18 and older with intellectual disabilities. This is the first time that anyone has examined these behaviors longitudinally (across time), and SOI is an ideal partner for a study of this nature since it is now starting to collect health data on a percentage of its athletes using an electronic record that will allow SOI staff to interact with the athletes’ family members and health professionals when they return home from the Games.
To read more, please visit |
Torch lighting at the Opening Ceremonies, 2009 Special Olympics, Idaho Center |
New Research Article
James H. Rimmer & Jennifer L. Rowland (2008). Health promotion for people with disabilities: Implications for empowering the person and promoting disability-friendly environments. Am J Lifestyle Med. In press. |
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