Margaret Turk, MD

RESEARCH ABSTRACT

Proposal Abstract

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Syracuse proposes a health promotion project for women with disabilities in the domain of mobility entitled Project W.E.A.L.T.H. (Women Empowered, Aware, \& Learning Through Health Education). This project will be a health promotion program designed for the prevention of secondary conditions through the public health model steps of risk factor/protective factor identification and intervention development with evaluation using a pre-test/post-test design. Intervention activities are designed for maximal participant input, allowing for direct application of health behaviors to the daily lives of participants, and increased likelihood of life-long adherence to health promotion. The four proposed activities of Project W.E.A.L.T.H. include:

1. creation of a profile of risk factors and protective characteristics of women with disability in the domain of mobility by the application of a health resource model of health promotion;
2. implementation of a traditional health promotion workshop series specifically designed for the health promotion priorities of women with disabilities;
3. institution of a nurse supported health behavior change; and
4. introduction of a pilot exercise intervention designed to increase cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility of its participants.

Osteoporosis Among Women and Girls with Mobility Impairments

There are approximately 16 million women with functional limitations living in the United States. Osteoporosis among women is a major health concern in the general population; however, little attention has been given to secondary osteoporosis among women with mobility impairments. The Disability and Health Branch (DBR), in collaboration with the Department of Physical Medicine \& Rehabilitation SUNY Syracuse, proposes a cross-sectional study to define the issues of osteoporosis among women with mobility impairments. Two hundred girls and women with mobility impairments, ages 10-45 years, will be recruited for this study. Demographic and medical data will be collected, and participants will complete functional, activity, and dietary history surveys. Bone density measures of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, whole body, and the non dominant forearm will be performed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone density measurements will be compared with baseline standards, demographics, severity of functional limitation, level of activity, dietary intake of calcium, and history of medications.. This pilot study will (1) provide an initial look at the prevalence of osteoporosis among women with disabilities, (2) describe risk factors and protective strategies that influence osteoporosis in this population, and (3) provide data for further study of osteoporosis among women with mobility impairments.

Selected References

Turk, M.A., J.C. Overeynder and M. Janicki: Uncertain future:Aging and cerebral palsy - clinical concerns. NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. Albany, NY, 1995.

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