A Multidisciplinary Approach to Weight Control in the Physically Disabled: A Pilot Demonstration

Abstract

While obesity is considered to be one of the most prevalent health problems in today's society, limited mobility renders the physically disabled more vulnerable to excessive weight gain than the general population. Thus, an eight-week Energy Wise Program was implemented for outpatients of the Royal Ottawa Regional Rehabilitation Centre which combined nutrition education, behavior modification, and increased energy expenditure. A weigh-in preceded a two-hour presentation/discussion with a dietitian and psychologist on the topics of nutrition and behavior modification. Participants then joined a physiotherapist for a one-hour exercise class. Data were collected from 31 adults totalled from a series of four groups. Physical disabilities included chronic obstructive lung disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, cerebral palsy, and cerebral vascular accident. Body measurements were recorded both before and after the program. Statistical analyses revealed significant decreases in body weight; triceps skinfold; and chest, waist, thigh, and gluteal girth measurements. Both clinical data and subjective evaluations of the program endorsed a multidisciplinary approach to weight control in a physically disabled population.