WATCH: Community exercise, education, and support program to improve heart and metabolic health for wheelchair users
Official title: Wheelchair user physical activity training intervention to enhance cardiometabolic health (WATCH): A community-based randomized control trial
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11262805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $576,186 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111022-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Kerri Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Kerri Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Psychosocial and cultural factors linked to heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans
This project studies how daily stress and social factors affect heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans, using real-time reporting and biosamples.
-
Early life factors shaping heart health in HIV-exposed versus unexposed kids in South Africa
A study following children from birth through adolescence to understand how HIV exposure and early infections influence heart-related health risks.
-
Early-life factors shaping heart health in HIV-exposed and unexposed children in South Africa
This project follows children from birth through adolescence to understand how being exposed to HIV before birth affects their metabolic and heart health over time.
-
Promoting steady activity for adults with obesity through PATH-powered exercise videos and remote coaching
A weight-neutral online program called PATH uses YouTube workout videos and remote coaching to help adults with obesity stay active and improve heart health over a year.
-
Morning light to improve heart and blood sugar health in adults with Type 1 Diabetes
A small trial tests whether morning bright light can improve blood sugar control and blood pressure in adults with Type 1 Diabetes.
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.