WATCH: Community exercise, education, and support program to improve heart and metabolic health for wheelchair users
Wheelchair user physical activity training intervention to enhance cardiometabolic health (WATCH): A community-based randomized control trial
This program offers supervised, accessible exercise plus education and support to help adults who use wheelchairs improve their heart and metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a community-based program that provides adapted aerobic and strength training along with education on safe exercise and healthy habits. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the structured program or usual care, and staff will track fitness, body composition, blood markers, and cardiovascular measures over time. The program uses accessible facilities, adapted equipment, and trained staff to help you build regular physical activity. The goal is to see whether sustained, supported activity can lower obesity and cardiometabolic risks for people who use wheelchairs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who use wheelchairs (age 21 and older) who are able and willing to attend supervised, community-based exercise sessions and who have or are at risk for cardiometabolic conditions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot safely participate in exercise, cannot attend in-person sessions in the program area, or whose health issues are unrelated to cardiometabolic risk may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve fitness, reduce weight and blood sugar, and lower cardiovascular risk for wheelchair users.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials offering support and adapted exercise for wheelchair users have improved strength and pain, but evidence is limited on effects on cardiometabolic outcomes, so this work addresses a gap.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Kerri Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Kerri Ann
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.