An Accessible and Multi-modal online exercise program for people with disabilities
Join the first-ever, online exercise program for people with disabilities that uses recorded video, live exercise training and health coaching!
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, in partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation and key stakeholders, has developed a telehealth exercise platform for people with disabilities. The goal of this project is to evaluate the responsiveness to the intervention and suitably adjust the dosage to ensure optimal effects.
Why join the study?
If you have a disability, you’ve got to stay on top of your health. Engaging in regular physical activity is a surefire way to stay healthy! Our innovative program touches all types of online exercise delivery, such as recorded exercise videos, one-on-one live exercise training, and group live exercise training. We also use health coaching to motivate you.
When you join Fit With Us, you’ll receive a FitBit, and we’ll work with you to increase your activity levels.
This project is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research’s Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program.
Project Team
Mohanraj Thirumalai, PhD
Project Director
Dr. Thirumalai is a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research focuses on developing telehealth interventions for underserved populations.
Christen Mendonca, PhD
Study Protocol Team
Dr. Mendonca is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Christen also has a strong background in fitness and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (NSCA-CSCS). He was a personal fitness trainer for over 15 years. His research interest focuses on increasing the inclusive exercise opportunities for people with disabilities through the research and development of innovative assistive technologies.
Sangeetha Mohanraj
STUDY PROTOCOL TEAM
Sangeetha Mohanraj is a Scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is a PhD candidate at the department of Health Service Research. She has several years of experience working on research and development projects to improve health and function of people with disabilities.
Amy Knight, Ph.D., ABPP
Study Psychologist
Dr. Knight is a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research areas include
neuropsychology, stroke, and acquired brain injury. Her role in My Health, My Life, My Way is the
development of the mental health curriculum used within the program.
Ranjana Arumugam
STUDY PROTOCOL TEAM
Ranjana is a research assistant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and she helps conduct research related to health and function of people with physical disabilities.
Allison Tubbs
Director of Community Health
Allison is a certified exercise physiologist and health educator. She is Director of Community Health at Lakeshore Foundation, a disability non-profit organization. Lakeshore is known for its work in promoting health, independence, and inclusion with people with disabilities and chronic health conditions through advocacy, sports, fitness, recreation, and health promotion programs. Her work is focused on advancing disability inclusive community health services where all people have equal access and opportunities for healthy living.
LAURIE A MALONE, MPH, PhD
STUDY PROTOCOL TEAM
Dr. Malone is an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her research interests include examining the role of physical activity and sport in the lives of people with physical disabilities.
Lacey Gammon, MPH, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian and Health Coach
Lacey is the Nutrition Coordinator at Lakeshore Foundation. She offers inclusive nutrition education and counseling, content development, recipe creation, and teaches adapted culinary skills and nutrition lessons to youth and adults with disabilities.
Daniel Dent
Health Coach
Daniel Dent is a Troy University graduate, where he got his bachelor’s degree in health and human service with an emphasis in Recreation and Sports Program. He is a Certified personal trainer and nutrition coach through NFPT and NASM. He is also certified as an Integrative Health Practitioner. He has a passion for helping others build a foundation in strength training and takes a wholistic approach for overall wellness. Daniel also has experience as a Health Coach working with those living with Type 2 Diabetes and weight management. He is currently pursuing the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC).
Sharon Opkins
Health Coach
Sharon is an ACE certified health coach. She is an Aquatics Specialist at Lakeshore Foundation and has experience working with people with disability and chronic health conditions.
Kaitlyn Eaton
Health Coach
Kaitlyn Eaton has a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a current member of the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball National Team. Kaitlyn is passionate about empowering people to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Joon Reid
Health Coach
Joon is a Recreation and Athletic Specialist at Lakeshore. He has been a health coach working with people with disability and chronic conditions for many projects. Joon is a coach for adapted sport teams.