# Wheelchair user physical activity training intervention to enhance cardiometabolic health (WATCH): A community-based randomized control trial

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $563,039

## Abstract

Project Summary: Low levels of physical activity (PA) are common in individuals who use wheelchairs due to
physical disability. Wheelchair users (WU) are also at greater risk for obesity and cardiometabolic health-related
diseases compared to the general population. Regular PA is widely recognized as being beneficial to
the health of persons without a disability and is believed to hold similar benefits for WU. However, WU face
barriers to PA, including considerable lack of accessible, community-based facilities, limited access to adapted
equipment, lack of knowledge on how to exercise safely, and proper support. Additionally, it is unclear what
type of PA intervention is most effective to facilitate WU in achieving current PA recommendations and
reversing or preventing cardiometabolic health-related diseases. Thus, evaluating a structured, community-based
PA training intervention with education and support is critical and will have significant implications for
WU health, future PA guidelines for WU, and the activities of community-based organizations serving WU. The
extensive health benefits of aerobic and strength training are well established for the general population, and
randomized controlled trials studying the impact of PA for WU suggest programs that provide support and
education in accessible, community-based environments are effective for improving outcomes such as
strength and pain. However, there is insufficient evidence on whether these interventions result in
cardiometabolic health (i.e., VO2peak) improvements in WU. Previous evidence demonstrates these
interventions may be inadequate to reach the recommended frequency, intensity, and duration of PA.
Preliminary data suggest guiding PA intensity may be essential to improving cardiometabolic health outcomes
in WU. The current study proposes a hybrid I randomized controlled trial to test the cardiometabolic effects of
a tailored intensity-controlled physical activity training (I PAT) intervention compared to education and access
to a community-based accessible gym (EA). The following specific aims will be tested in WU randomized to
either the IPAT or the EA intervention groups (N = 54 for both). Specific Aim #1: To compare the effectiveness
of the IPAT to EA on cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular function, and body composition. Specific Aim #2: To
identify barriers and facilitators to WU engaging in PA at a community-based, accessible gym. Specific Aim #3:
To examine the mediators (e.g., self-efficacy) and moderators (e.g., age, race, duration of disability) of the
expected intervention effect to understand differences in physiologic response. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity
aerobic and strength training will be used to study the effects of interventions delivered in a community-based
accessible gym on cardiometabolic related health outcomes such as cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and
vascular function (endothelial function) in WU. Successful completion of the proposed study will g...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10770490
- **Project number:** 5R01HD111022-02
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kerri Ann Morgan
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $563,039
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-02-01 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10770490

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10770490, Wheelchair user physical activity training intervention to enhance cardiometabolic health (WATCH): A community-based randomized control trial (5R01HD111022-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10770490. Licensed CC0.

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