RU: Hughes: Virtual Reality Weight Management
Project Description:
The prevalence of obesity in women with mobility impairments is nearly double that of women without disabilities, yet this significant health disparity has received little attention. Women who have difficulty walking or engaging in vigorous physical activity due to disabling conditions report critical health and environmental barriers to maintaining a healthy weight. We have developed and now are pilot testing the first evidence-based weight management intervention for women with mobility impairments. This intervention responds to the unique needs and expressed concerns of women with mobility impairments, builds on prior weight management research conducted on adults in general, and is delivered using virtual reality on the Internet. This study will result in a virtual reality weight management intervention with preliminary evidence of efficacy for women with mobility impairments, a significantly underserved population. The University of Montana Rural Institute is collaborating on this project at the invitation of Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Research on Women with Disabilities in Houston. Dr. Rosemary Hughes is the project director for the UM site.
Keyword(s):
weight management mobility impairments virtual internet
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology
Target Audience:
Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Mulit-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
