title: A wellness program for individuals with disabilities: Using a student wellness coach approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Individuals with disabilities are at higher risk of health conditions; thus, there is a need to provide hands-on opportunities for pre-healthcare professionals to interact with individual with disabilities as well as deliver wellness services to this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a student-led wellness program for individuals with disabilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two undergraduate student wellness coaches between the ages of 19-23 years, and fifteen participants with disabilities, ranging in ages from 28 to 74 years were included in this study. Every participant was assigned to at least 1 student wellness coach with the purpose of establishing an individualized wellness plan.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 3 months (fall 2013 academic semester), all wellness coaches demonstrated improved clinical interaction and confidence toward working with the participants. The participants had an average weight loss of 2.0 ± 2.9 kg, ranging from 0.0 to 9.0 kg. All participants had improved functionality and fitness and reported high satisfaction toward the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated the impact of a unique program on the education of pre-healthcare professionals and the overall wellness of participants with disabilities. The program model has the potential to provide clinical health education among pre-healthcare professionals through interacting with individuals with disabilities.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, 330 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Electronic address: younghuiju@gmail.com.
authors: Hui-Ju
authors: HJ
authors: Young
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, 330 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors: Melissa L
authors: ML
authors: Erickson
authors: Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
authors: Kristen B
authors: KB
authors: Johnson
authors: Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
authors: Mary Ann
authors: MA
authors: Johnson
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, 330 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors: Kevin K
authors: KK
authors: McCully
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006293:Health Promotion; D066086:Health Services for Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013334:Students; D015431:Weight Loss; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Disability; Exercise training; Health and wellness; Wellness coach