Researchers Investigating Effects Of Exercise In Reducing Chronic Disease
Researchers at the University of Bath’s Centre for Disability Sport and Health (DASH) are hoping to recruit volunteers with spinal cord injuries for a six-week study.
The study will measure the impact of simple home exercises on those with spinal cord injuries and their effectiveness in reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases.
People with spinal cord injuries are more likely to suffer from illnesses such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, often from a younger age, as a result of inactivity.
Volunteers will have to complete four 45-minute exercises a week over the course of the study, while a control group will continue with their normal routines.
Tom Nightingale, the lead researcher on the study, said: “Becoming more active is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease, but for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries, achieving this can be more complex.”
The study will help researchers understand more about the impact of exercise and aid in the development of new programmes to assist people with disabilities such as a spinal cord injury.
Volunteers will undergo a detailed health check as part of the study, and will have expenses for travel and accommodation reimbursed where necessary. To volunteer, e-mail t.e.nightingale@bath.ac.uk or telephone 01225 384 809.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a spinal injury, our specialist serious injury claims team could help you to claim compensation. Read our Spinal Injury Claims page for more information.
Expert Opinion
This study into the complications suffered by those who have had a spinal cord injury is in the very early stages, but there is a potential to further understand the issues impacting those with serious injuries, which may help them manage their injury in later life. <br/> <br/>“It will be interesting to see research and work in this area develop and whether advice and treatments, which can help those with spinal cord injuries deal with the many complications the injury can cause, will be developed and become available in the future.” Stephen Nye - Partner