Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
Ease Yourself into Fitness:Exercise Programs for MR
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$99,202.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): While more Americans are becoming aware of
the need to participate in regular physical activities, it is clear that
physical activity is absent in the lives of most individuals with mental
retardation. People with mental retardation generally have low cardiovascular
endurance and very poor strength levels. Close to one half of individuals with
mental retardation are classified as obese. The high level of obesity in this
group puts them at increased risk for a variety of diseases including
hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory
diseases. There is a pressing need to get this group involved in a variety of
physical activities. One way to accomplish this is by training support
providers, that is parents, caregivers and group home staff on ways to
effectively, efficiently, and safely implement a physical fitness program for
individuals with mental retardation.
The goal of this project is to develop a systematic exercise training program
for parents, residential staff and other support providers that is low-cost,
easy to implement, tailored to the unique needs of individuals with mental
retardation, and based on the most recent data-based interventions for
promoting physical activity. The total package (Phase II) will consist of one
training video for support providers and four exercise videos developed for
individuals with mental retardation. In Phase I, we will develop and examine
the effectiveness and usability of a prototype trainer's video and part of a
beginner's exercise video. Three elements of the trainer's video will be
developed: goal setting, observation/self monitoring, and teaching a fitness
routine. A randomized controlled study of 20 parents will be conducted to
evaluate the product.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE
Principal Investigator:
Martin R. Sheehan
Small Business Information at Submission:
IRIS MEDIA, INC.
31672 FOX HOLLOW RD EUGENE, OR 97405
EIN/Tax ID:
931249861
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No