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FEATURE STORY — March/April 2005

The Center on Health Promotion for Persons with Disabilities is studying how exercise can benefit stroke survivors and other people with disabilities

John Cuspilich, a participant in a study being conducted by the Center on Health Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, stretches out after completing his exercise session. Joining him is Swati Shenoy, a graduate student who assists in the physical therapy sessions.

By Christine Bozich

Many women in their late 20s are concerned with establishing their careers, logging in long hours at the office. Too many of them take their health for granted, oblivious to how lucky they are to be able to juggle multiple tasks. Alma Delgado is not one of them. A 27-year-old Latina, Delgado had a stroke at the age of 23, which affected her entire left side. At the same time, she was diagnosed with Lupus, an immune system disorder. Following her stroke, Delgado had trouble completing everyday tasks such as getting dressed or taking a shower. After being in and out of therapy for the last four years, Delgado, who lives with her mother, is able to cook, clean and do the laundry. "I do things I was hesitant to try," she says. "It's hard, but I try to do them anyway."

Delgado credits much of her change in attitude and behavior to a research program she participated in at UIC. The University's Center on Health Promotion for Persons with Disabilities examines the effects of exercise and health promotion on people who have had strokes, as well as those who have Down Syndrome, spinal-cord injuries, diabetes or arthritis. CHP includes two federally funded centers: the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Most of the program's participants are recruited through UIC's neurology department. It also receives referrals from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

People with disabilities have not been afforded the same opportunities as those without disabilities, according to James Rimmer, director of CHP and NCPAD. "For hundreds of years, we've diminished the lives of people with disabilities, making it impossible for them to participate." He says that the two biggest barriers to health and fitness are that people with disabilities don't have the financial resources to stay in shape and they lack transportation to fitness centers (many use wheelchairs for mobility and do not drive). Frequently, people with disabilities do not understand exactly what they need to do to maintain their fitness, he explains. Rimmer's mother, who has severe arthritis and significant functional limitations, is one of them. "She doesn't have the understanding of how to do it. And then she gets afraid," he says.

The Center works with its participants to identify and remove such barriers. Those participating in the 12- to 14-week research studies are not required to pay for use of the facilities. The Center also offers free transportation services.

Supplying encouragement

CHP also provides its participants with support and instruction to help them work through barriers similar to those that Rimmer's mother faces. "The staff encourages them at the fitness center," explains Rimmer. "People with a disability can become convinced that they can't do a certain exercise, but our staff is skilled at both encouraging and challenging them."

"They kept us going," recalls Delgado.

Sylvia Brunson, who participated in the same study with Delgado in 2002, agrees. "They motivated us and showed us what we needed to do [to help ourselves]. Most people don't want to deal with people who are disabled. At CHP, the staff knows what we need and how to help us do it."

Brunson, a 56-year-old African-American woman, had a stroke 10 years ago. Afterward, she was unable to move her arms or do any type of exercise. "They said I wouldn't be able to walk or talk," she says. "I was going to be a vegetable." She walked with a cane for four years following her stroke. At the Center, Brunson used the treadmill, stationary bike and weights. Through therapy and exercising at CHP, she came farther than the doctors had ever imagined. She now talks, walks without a cane, and can even hold things with her right hand (the stroke affected her right side). Brunson is also able to complete simple tasks, such as picking up grocery bags and putting away groceries. "CHP helped me make the adjustments to do these things," she says.

Photo: Andrew Campbell