Adaptive Rowing for Wheelchair Users

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Elizabeth W Regan, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Pressure sores, Unstable angina, Uncontrolled arrythmia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 15

Duration: 6-7 weeks

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how an adaptive rowing exercise can benefit people who use motorized wheelchairs. Researchers aim to determine if this exercise can improve cardiovascular health, mobility perception, and overall quality of life, while ensuring safety and feasibility. Participants will engage in 12 supervised rowing sessions over seven weeks to assess its impact. The trial seeks individuals who use motorized wheelchairs and can perform a rowing motion with their arms. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for wheelchair users.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.

What prior data suggests that this adaptive rowing intervention is safe for wheelchair users?

Research has shown that adaptive rowing is generally safe for people who use wheelchairs. One study found that none of the adaptive rowers sustained injuries in the past year. Another study noted some risks, such as to the back and shoulders, but these are not expected to be serious.

Overall, adaptive rowing appears to be a well-tolerated and safe exercise option for wheelchair users. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional physical therapy options for wheelchair users, such as stationary exercises or weight training, adaptive rowing offers a dynamic way to improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it provides a full-body workout that's accessible, thanks to adaptive equipment tailored for wheelchair users. This approach not only promotes better fitness but also enhances mental well-being through an engaging and motivating exercise experience.

What evidence suggests that adaptive rowing is effective for improving cardiovascular endurance and quality of life for wheelchair users?

Research has shown that adaptive rowing offers excellent exercise for people who use wheelchairs. Studies have found that the adapted rowing machine is easy to use and enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for improving heart and lung health. Participants in these studies experienced positive physical changes and an improved quality of life after engaging in adaptive sports. Rowing often proves more effective for heart and lung fitness than some traditional exercises. Overall, adaptive rowing presents a promising way to enhance fitness and well-being for people using motorized wheelchairs. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who use motorized wheelchairs. Participants should be able to commit to 12 sessions over seven weeks and complete fitness assessments and surveys. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I use a motorized wheelchair to get around.

I can perform a rowing motion with my arms, with or without help for gripping.

Exclusion Criteria

I have an irregular heartbeat that is not under control.

Existing pressure sores

Blood pressure above 180/100 mmHg

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Initial Assessment

Participants perform initial outcome measures and receive instructions on rowing

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants complete 12 sessions of supervised and coached moderate to vigorous activity using the adaptive rower

6-7 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Adaptive Rowing

Trial Overview

The study tests the effects of an adaptive rower exercise program on cardiovascular endurance, mobility perception, and quality of life in wheelchair users. It also assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of this intervention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single Group Intervention Arm - Adaptive Rowing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

12 supervised and coached sessions of 10-20 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise using an adaptive rower.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+

Foundation for Physical Therapy, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials

14

Recruited

510+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Wheelchair users find exercise important for improving their physical and mental health, but face barriers due to a lack of accessible equipment; both the adaptive rowing ergometer (aROW) and arm crank ergometer (ACE) were found to be highly usable.

The aROW was perceived as more enjoyable and effective for cardiovascular exercise compared to the ACE, suggesting that its implementation in community gyms could enhance exercise participation and promote inclusion for wheelchair users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring exercise participation and the usability of the adaptive rower and arm crank ergometer through wheelchair users' perspectives. Wong, RN., Stewart, AL., Sawatzky, B., et al.[2022]

The upper body rowing ergometer (UBRE) was validated for use in manual wheelchair users, showing comparable results to a standard arm cycle ergometer (ACE) during graded exercise tests.

After a 12-week intervention, participants using the UBRE increased their peak exercise power and duration, suggesting that rowing exercises may enhance shoulder muscle balance and reduce the risk of shoulder injuries, which are common in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An exercise trial targeting posterior shoulder strength in manual wheelchair users: pilot results and lessons learned. Troy, KL., Munce, TA., Longworth, JA.[2015]

Active video games (AVGs) can significantly increase energy expenditure (EE) in nonambulatory wheelchair users, with participants showing up to a 30.8% increase in EE during Wii games.

The study demonstrated that AVGs can be adapted for individuals with varying levels of upper extremity limitations, making them a feasible method for promoting physical activity among those with severe disabilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of using active video gaming as a means for increasing energy expenditure in three nonambulatory young adults with disabilities. Rowland, JL., Rimmer, JH.[2012]

The adapted rower (aROW) and adapted skier (aSKI) machines were found to be highly usable and effective for providing cardiovascular workouts for wheelchair users, based on feedback from six participants who trialed the equipment.

While both machines were similarly rated for usability, participants reported more setup challenges with the aROW, and preferred instructional videos over written materials, indicating areas for improvement in user support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Accessible exercise for wheelchair users: comparing the usability of two adapted exercise machines. Anderson, E., Baker, A., Borisoff, J., et al.[2023]

This study found that children with spinal cord injuries propel their wheelchairs in a manner similar to adults, despite differences in size and age, suggesting that techniques used in adult wheelchair propulsion can be applied to pediatric users.

Both adult and pediatric groups spent the same proportion of their wheeling cycle in propulsion (24%), indicating that the fundamental mechanics of wheelchair propulsion are consistent across age groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Kinematics of wheelchair propulsion in adults and children with spinal cord injury. Bednarczyk, JH., Sanderson, DJ.[2013]

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38949081/

Should I stay or should I go? An exploratory study ...

Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides ...

2.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638288.2021.1894245

Exploring exercise participation and the usability of ...

The adapted rowing machine was perceived as highly usable and was felt to be more enjoyable and effective for cardiovascular exercise compared to traditional ...

3.

icord.org

icord.org/2021/10/wheelchair-users-perspectives-on-usability-of-the-adaptive-equipment-for-exercise/

Wheelchair users' perspectives on usability of the adaptive ...

The purpose of this study was to explore wheelchair users' general experiences with exercise, while also assessing how efficient, effective, and ...

4.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33730952/

Exploring exercise participation and the usability of the ...

The adapted rowing machine was perceived as highly usable and was felt to be more enjoyable and effective for cardiovascular exercise compared ...

5.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/378074667_Effect_of_adaptive_sports_on_quality_of_life_in_individuals_with_disabilities_who_use_wheelchairs_a_mixed-methods_systematic_review

Effect of adaptive sports on quality of life in individuals with ...

Purpose: Adaptive sports participation has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) in individual with disabilities.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10047928/

A Scoping Review with Bibliometric Analysis of Para-Rowing

The main and extremely interesting finding was that none of the rowers were injured in the last 12 months, whereas around half of participants ...

7.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/255690190_Complete_inclusion_of_adaptive_rowing_only_1000m_ahead

Complete inclusion of adaptive rowing only 1000m ahead

AR has inherent injury and health risks especially within thorax, shoulders and low back region, but they are not expected to be significantly ...