Effects of a Home-Based Resistance Exercise in Chinese Individuals Living With Physical Disability: Resistance Exercise on PWPD

Abstract

Copyright © 2017 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of a home-based resistance exercise program for people living with physical disability. Design: A quasiexperimental study. Method: Forty participants enrolled, and 24 completed the 12-week study with 13 in the intervention group and 11 in the control group. Outcomes were measured by pretests and posttests, including Six-Minute Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, One Repetition Maximum, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and Self-administered Short Form Health Survey. Findings: Outcomes of participants within intervention group improved significantly after the training. Conclusions: This home-based resistance exercise demonstrated impact on improving the functioning of the participants. Clinical Relevance: A well-developed home-based resistance exercise for people with disability will improve their physical functioning. The trainers for the home-based program should have frequent interaction with the group to determine how to improve the outcome of physical abilities. Community health nurses could be taught how to conduct resistance exercise so that it will become routine care in the community health centers for people with disability.