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

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Adaptive Rowing for Wheelchair Users?

Research shows that adaptive rowing, like the adaptive rowing ergometer (aROW), is a viable exercise option for wheelchair users, offering a way to engage in physical activity similar to arm crank ergometry, which is already used by wheelchair users to improve fitness. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is adaptive rowing safe for wheelchair users?

Adaptive rowing is generally considered safe for wheelchair users, with no specific contraindications (reasons to avoid) for events up to 2000 meters. However, there are inherent risks of injury, particularly to the thorax, shoulders, and lower back, similar to other sports, and long-term studies are needed to fully understand these risks. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does the treatment Adaptive Rowing differ from other treatments for wheelchair users?

Adaptive Rowing is unique because it provides a specialized exercise option for wheelchair users, focusing on upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness, which is not commonly available with standard fitness equipment. It is specifically designed to accommodate physical disabilities, allowing users to engage in rowing exercises that are typically inaccessible, thereby promoting inclusivity and physical activity among wheelchair users. ^{1 3 4 6 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial are to determine the feasibility and impact of an adaptive rower exercise intervention for adults who use motorized wheelchairs for mobility. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: 1. What is the impact on participant's cardiovascular endurance, and perception of mobility and quality of life? 2. Is the intervention feasible, acceptable and safe? examine feasibility of the adaptive rower intervention through measures of acceptability, adherence, intensity and safety for adults who use motorized wheelchairs for mobility. Participants will complete 12 sessions of 10-20 minutes of supervised and coached moderate to vigorous activity using the adaptive rower over a seven week period. Participants will complete pre- and post- outcome assessments of cardiovascular fitness, and outcome surveys,

Eligibility Criteria

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

I use a motorized wheelchair to get around.

Exclusion Criteria

Existing pressure sores

Blood pressure above 180/100 mmHg

I have unstable chest pain.

Timeline

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)

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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 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]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An exercise trial targeting posterior shoulder strength in manual wheelchair users: pilot results and lessons learned. [2015]

2. United States 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. [2012]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring exercise participation and the usability of the adaptive rower and arm crank ergometer through wheelchair users' perspectives. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Accessible exercise for wheelchair users: comparing the usability of two adapted exercise machines. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Intensity During Power Wheelchair Soccer. [2018]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Complete inclusion of adaptive rowing only 1000 m ahead. [2013]

7. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A novelty universal adaptive seating system for dragon boating. [2012]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Kinematics of wheelchair propulsion in adults and children with spinal cord injury. [2013]

9. Croatia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rib stress fracture in a male adaptive rower from the arms and shoulders sport class: case report. [2021]