At-home social exercise for wheelchair users
Development of a socially connected exercise system for wheelchair users
A connected at-home arm-cycle and social workout program for veterans who use wheelchairs to help them get regular aerobic exercise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222658 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get an adapted arm-cycle or handcycle setup that connects to an app or tablet so you can follow guided workouts and join virtual group sessions from home. The system adds social features like group classes, leaderboards, and video coaching to boost motivation and enjoyment. The research team will monitor your activity, symptoms, and fitness over time with periodic check-ins and may ask for brief in-person visits. The aim is to make safe, regular aerobic exercise more accessible and socially engaging for wheelchair users.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans who use a wheelchair, can safely perform arm-based aerobic exercise, and have internet access and space at home for the equipment.
Not a fit: People who cannot perform arm-based exercise, have medical contraindications to aerobic activity, or lack internet/home space or the ability to use the equipment are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make it easier and more motivating to do regular aerobic exercise at home, potentially improving cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and social support.
How similar studies have performed: Connected fitness apps and virtual group exercise have helped people without disabilities increase activity and motivation, but wheelchair-specific, internet-connected exercise systems are relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koontz, Alicia M. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Koontz, Alicia M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.