Adaptive sports programs are integral components to combating Veteran isolation, promoting wellbeing and seeking to build teams, networks, communities. These activity-based communities are medicine free treatment systems enhancing Veterans' health from a holistic perspective. This approach to Veteran healthcare is critical as studies indicate Veterans not only have 56% higher perceived social isolation but are also 1.5x more susceptible to suicide than the general public. It is imperative to improve access to exercise and physical activity through adaptive sport or recreation. This proposal is going to focus on Adaptive Indoor Rowing for Veterans with limited or changing trunk stability (i.e. SCI/D, paralysis, paresis, etc.). Rowing is a unique full-body activity that increases cardiovascular demand and increases coordination and aerobic capacity through movement. This proposal aims to address critical gaps in adaptive rowing technology and provide Veterans with limited trunk stability access to full stroke adaptive rowing.
central nervous system impairment
spinal cord injuries with single neurological level in the cervical to lumbosacral region
cerebrovascular accident with associated sequelae including but not limited to hemiparesis and spasticity
neurodegenerative disorders including but not limited to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, and parkinsonism
acute illness or injury
active or recent pressure injuries in the last 6 months affecting their ability to safely row (e.g., the coccyx, ischial tuberosity, sacrum, etc.)
Individuals who would be classified as NE or PR3-PD - FISA Para-Rowing Classifications
Flap procedure to address pressure injury less than one year prior
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead sponsor
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Collaborator