Research
Research
Advisory Council
Fitness,
Therapy & Recreation Center
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Adults
with developmental disabilities have consistently been reported
to possess an elevated risk factor for diseases associated with
living a sedentary lifestyle, the consequences of which have been
well documented. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
has recommended that individuals with developmental disabilities
should participate in physical activity five or more times per week
to reduce the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and obesity.
Participation in social activities is also related to health benefits
for this population, and research data supports the fact that social
activities should be included as an integral part of any physical
fitness activity program. The
Fitness, Therapy, and Recreation Center operated
by TERI touches on many critical areas related to healthcare and
life quality for this population and those who support them. This
model program for proactive healthcare for children and adults with
developmental disabilities is, to our knowledge, the only one of
its kind in the nation. Through this model, we expect to see improved
results in the overall health and life quality of the individuals
served and a decrease in the amount of public and private dollars
spent on health related concerns.
The
Fitness, Therapy, and Recreation Center serves
over 500 children and adults, as well as their families and the
staff who support them. Our gym has state-of-the-art exercise equipment
for aerobic and strengthening exercises, and individualized programs
are designed and supervised by an on-site exercise physiologist.
Our Therapeutic Component
focuses on occupational and physical therapy goals designed to improve
mobility, flexibility, strength, and coordination and to remediate
sensory integrative problems often experienced by children and adults
with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Recreation
Component offers a place where those who cannot
participate in Special Olympics and other existing social/recreation
programs due to behavioral problems can gather for relaxation, social
events, and planned recreation activities. These unique programs
are specifically designed to meet the special needs of children
and adults with severe developmental disabilities.
The
Fitness, Therapy, and Recreation Center also
serves as a research site for TERI, Inc. and its collaborative partners
from local universities and hospitals. The sensory integrative and
fitness therapy models we will research in this Center
are currently not employed by most agencies serving this population
because the science behind the techniques are still in their infancy.
In previous studies, TERI, Inc. and other researchers have
seen preliminary data that indicates that these models will have
a high level of positive impact on the behavioral, medical, and
educational profile of these children and adults. By intensifying
our research in this area, we will produce data that can potentially
support the viability of these treatment methods. By sharing this
data with other agencies across the nation, our work at this Center
has the potential to positively impact thousands of children and
adults with developmental disabilities.
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