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State

Alabama

National Resource

Yes

Topics

Assistive Technology, Physical Activity, Recreation & Leisure

Keywords

Access, Exercise, Health promotion, Recreation, university, RERC, research, engineering

Description

This Center at University of Alabama conducts an advanced engineering research and development program using new and emerging technologies to address the high rates of physical inactivity in youths and adults with disabilities. The Center includes a coordinated set of research, development, capacity building, and knowledge translation/dissemination projects focused on promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for people with disabilities.

Services Provided

The key target areas for the research and development projects are improving access to recreation and exercise venues and equipment, increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in beneficial exercise, using technology to support greater adherence to regular exercise, and promoting regular exercise and active lifestyles for people with disabilities as a way to improve health and function. The research agenda includes projects aimed at (1) determining a valid methodology for using commercially available activity monitors to estimate energy expenditure (i.e., daily physical activity) in manual wheelchair users, (2) the use of off-the-shelf e-health technology for promoting safe and effective dose-response tele-exercise training in the home for adults with mobility disability, and (3) evaluation of a highly scalable information communication technology platform that promotes community-based physical activity for youths with disabilities. Development projects include (1) adaptation of sensors and game controllers to allow youths with disabilities to participate in currently inaccessible active video games, (2) high definition video-based virtual exercise environments integrated into an Advanced Virtual Exercise Environment Device for promoting socially engaging physical activity in people with disabilities, and (3) development of universal design standards for accessible fitness equipment and fitness facilities. Capacity building efforts include a rehabilitation engineering mentorship program, student design coursework in exercise/recreation technology, and infusion of rehabilitation engineering and disability into the graduate curriculum. Knowledge transfer projects include a state-of-the-science conference in exercise/recreation technology, a RecTech wiki, and a series of webinars and online newsletters promoting new knowledge in exercise science, engineering, and recreation.

Contact Information

Interactive Exercise Technologies and Exercise Physiology for People with Disabilities Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
1720 Second Avenue South SHPB 331
Birmingham, AL 35233