Researchers tested whether a tough but doable exercise program could help adults with mobility disabilities (like spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis) who also struggle with extra weight. Twenty people did high-intensity functional training three times a week for 24 weeks at community gyms. Most people stuck with the program, and those who completed it saw improvements in strength, balance, walking ability, and body composition. While weight didn’t drop dramatically, people lost inches around their waist, gained muscle, and felt stronger overall. This suggests that intense exercise programs can work safely for people with disabilities who want to improve their health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can a challenging exercise program help adults with mobility disabilities and extra weight get healthier and stronger?
  • Who participated: Twenty adults with mobility disabilities (such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis) who were overweight or obese. Participants ranged in BMI from 25 to 46 kg/m².
  • Key finding: Most people (77%) stuck with the 24-week program, attended classes regularly (81% attendance), and showed improvements in strength, balance, walking speed, and body composition. Waist circumference decreased by at least 3 cm in 45% of participants, and people gained muscle while losing fat.
  • What it means for you: If you have a mobility disability and extra weight, an intense exercise program at a community gym may help you get stronger and healthier. However, this was a small study, so talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program to make sure it’s safe for your specific condition.

The Research Details

This was a pilot study, which means it was a small test to see if a bigger study would be worthwhile. Twenty adults with mobility disabilities and extra weight participated in a 24-week exercise program. They attended classes three times per week for 60 minutes each at community gyms led by certified trainers. The researchers measured things like weight, body fat, muscle strength, balance, walking speed, and how people felt about their fitness before the program started and after it ended.

The exercise program was “high-intensity functional training,” which means the workouts were challenging and focused on movements people use in daily life (like standing up, walking, and reaching). Researchers tracked how many people joined the study, how many finished it, how often people attended, and whether anyone got hurt during the program.

People with mobility disabilities face extra challenges when trying to exercise because many gyms and programs aren’t designed for their needs. This study tested whether a program specifically designed for this population could work in real community settings. Understanding what works for people with disabilities is important because they’re more likely to develop weight-related health problems and have fewer exercise options available to them.

This was a small pilot study with only 20 people, so the results are preliminary and shouldn’t be considered definitive. There was no comparison group (like people who didn’t exercise), which makes it harder to know if improvements were from the exercise or other factors. However, the study did track important safety information and had good attendance rates, which suggests the program was acceptable to participants. The researchers were honest about the study’s limitations.

What the Results Show

The program successfully recruited 72% of people who were interested and 77% of those who started finished the full 24 weeks. People attended classes about 81% of the time on average, which is very good for a fitness study. Thirteen adverse events (mostly minor issues like muscle soreness) occurred during the study, with no serious injuries reported.

For weight and body composition, results were modest but positive. Overall weight and BMI stayed relatively stable, which might sound disappointing, but it’s actually good news because people often gain weight when they start exercising due to gaining muscle. Nearly half the participants (45%) lost at least 3 centimeters around their waist, and people gained lean muscle while losing body fat.

For physical function, improvements were more impressive. Grip strength improved, balance got better, and people could walk faster. Work capacity (how much exercise people could do) showed large improvements, and people reported feeling much stronger and more capable in their daily lives. These functional improvements are especially important for people with mobility disabilities because they directly affect quality of life.

Beyond the main measurements, the study found that people felt more confident about their physical abilities and reported better overall fitness. The fact that 81% of people kept attending classes suggests the program was enjoyable and sustainable, which is crucial for long-term health benefits. No serious safety concerns emerged, indicating that high-intensity exercise can be done safely by people with mobility disabilities when properly supervised.

Previous research showed that high-intensity functional training works well for non-disabled adults with extra weight, but it wasn’t clear if it would work for people with mobility disabilities. This study suggests that the benefits may transfer to this population, though the improvements in weight loss appear more modest than in non-disabled groups. The strong improvements in functional ability and work capacity are consistent with other exercise studies in people with disabilities.

The biggest limitation is the small sample size (only 20 people), which means results might not apply to everyone with mobility disabilities. There was no control group for comparison, so we can’t be completely sure the improvements came from the exercise rather than other factors like increased attention or motivation. The study didn’t track long-term results after the program ended, so we don’t know if benefits lasted. Results may not apply equally to all types of mobility disabilities, as the group included people with different conditions. Finally, this was a motivated group who chose to participate, so results might differ in people less interested in exercise.

The Bottom Line

If you have a mobility disability and extra weight, consider trying a high-intensity functional training program at a community gym with certified trainers who have experience working with people with disabilities. Start by talking with your doctor to make sure intense exercise is safe for your specific condition. Expect to see improvements in strength, balance, and how you feel physically within a few weeks, though weight loss may be modest. Moderate confidence: This is based on a small study, so results may vary.

This research is most relevant for adults with mobility disabilities (like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy) who are overweight or obese and want to improve their fitness and health. It’s also important for fitness professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and community gym managers who work with people with disabilities. People without mobility disabilities should not assume these results apply to them, as their exercise needs and responses may be different.

Based on this study, you might notice improvements in strength and how you feel within 4-6 weeks. Balance and walking speed improvements typically appear within 8-12 weeks. Changes in body composition (losing fat and gaining muscle) usually take 12-16 weeks to become noticeable. The full 24-week program showed the most impressive results, suggesting that staying consistent for several months is important.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track attendance at exercise classes (aim for 3 per week), grip strength measurements (using a hand dynamometer if available), and waist circumference (measure at the same spot weekly). Also note how you feel during daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair.
  • Set a specific goal to attend high-intensity functional training classes 3 times per week at a community gym. Use the app to schedule classes in advance, set reminders, and log each completed session. Track your perceived effort and how you felt after each workout to stay motivated.
  • Weekly: Log class attendance and rate your energy level and mood. Monthly: Measure waist circumference and note improvements in daily activities (like walking farther or climbing stairs easier). Every 12 weeks: Assess grip strength and overall physical confidence. Use the app to create a visual record of progress over the 24-week period.

This research is preliminary and based on a small study of 20 people. Results may not apply to everyone with mobility disabilities. Before starting any new exercise program, especially high-intensity training, consult with your doctor or physical therapist to ensure it’s safe for your specific condition and disability. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience pain, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms during exercise, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.