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Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Community-Based High-Intensity Functional Training for Adults with Mobility Disabilities and Overweight/Obesity: A Pilot Study
Koon, Lyndsie Donnelly, Joseph E. Sherman, Joseph R. Rice, Anna or Annie Clina, Julianne Thyfault, John Handlery, Reed Handlery, Kaci Crawford, Derek A.
Koon, Lyndsie
Donnelly, Joseph E.
Sherman, Joseph R.
Rice, Anna or Annie
Clina, Julianne
Thyfault, John
Handlery, Reed
Handlery, Kaci
Crawford, Derek A.
Abstract
Background: Preliminary evidence supports high-intensity functional training (HIFT) for improving various health outcomes in non-disabled adults with overweight/obesity. It remains unknown whether HIFT produces similar benefits in individuals who are overweight/obese and also have a mobility disability (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)—a population disproportionately affected by obesity-related health conditions and systemic barriers to exercise. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a 24-week HIFT intervention, delivered at community sites by certified trainers, for adults with mobility disabilities (MDs) who were overweight/obese. Methods: Twenty adults with MD and overweight/obesity (self-reported BMI 25–46 kg/m2) enrolled in a 24-week HIFT intervention (3 days/wk, 60 min sessions) delivered at four community-based facilities by certified trainers. Feasibility indicators included recruitment, retention, and attendance; adverse events were tracked. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for changes in obesity-related measures, physical function, work capacity, and psychological measures from baseline to post-intervention. Results: Feasibility targets were met, with a recruitment rate of 72.2%, 76.9% retention, and 80.7% attendance. Thirteen adverse events occurred. Effects on obesity-related measures ranged from negligible to moderate, with stable weight/BMI, reduced waist circumference (45% ≥ 3 cm decrease), decreased body fat, and increased lean mass. Functional outcome effects ranged from small to large and included grip strength, balance, and walking speed. Large improvements were observed for the endurance, speed, work capacity, and self-reported physical function. Conclusions: A community-based HIFT program is feasible and may improve health outcomes in adults with MD and overweight/obesity.
Description
A grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.
Date
2025-10-11
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MDPI AG
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sports-13-00361-v2.pdf
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Keywords
high-intensity functional training, mobility disability, community-based exercise, feasibility, obesity, physical function, adaptive exercise, pilot study
Citation
Koon, L.M.; Donnelly, J.E.; Sherman, J.R.; Rice, A.M.; Clina, J.G.; Thyfault, J.; Handlery, R.; Handlery, K.; Crawford, D.A. Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Community-Based High-Intensity Functional Training for Adults with Mobility Disabilities and Overweight/Obesity: A Pilot Study. Sports 2025, 13, 361. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13100361