RERC RecTech State of the Science Conference Call for Papers/Abstracts/Submissions
The inaugural Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center RecTech State of the Science Conference will be held from May 30-31 in Denver, Colorado. The goal of this conference is to bring together the most current research, developments, equipment, and applications in exercise technology for persons with disabilities. Cross-disciplinary submissions with other fields are welcome.
For information on submitting an abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/693/3207/2005-08-01#11. Online registration will be available soon via the NCHPAD newsletter.
NCA Launches Campground Policy Survey
NCHPAD partner, the National Center on Accessibility, is seeking campground operators from federal, state, municipal, and privately managed campgrounds to participate in a research study of campground facilities. The purpose of this survey is to identify policies and procedures common to accommodating people with disabilities in campgrounds and campsites and determine the current level of accessibility in campground facilities throughout the United States. The survey will be available through the end of August, and preliminary results of the survey findings will be available in the fall. Visit http://www.ncpad.org/693/3207/2005-08-01#12 for a direct link to the survey.
Group Exercise Classes for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Freeman, J., & Allison, R. (2004). Group exercise classes for with people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Physiotherapy Research International, 9, 104-107.
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine how weekly group exercise would affect the mobility, balance, and fatigue of people with MS. Ten volunteers from a local MS society participated. The 10-week exercise session consisted of 1 hour of exercise (30 minutes standing exercises and 30 minutes of floor-based Pilates).
The study provides some baseline data that exercise can improve the balance, fatigue, and mobility of people with MS. Although the greatest improvements were seen in physical outcomes, small improvements were also made in some psychological outcomes.
Read the entire abstract at http://www.ncpad.org/293/1829/Group~exercise~classes~with~people~with~multiple~sclerosis.