Check out the American DanceWheels program on CBS San Francisco!
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| Dr. Minna Hong from the Palo Alto VA interviews paralympian, Sharon Kelleher |
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| F-Veteran Desiree Firth and Basillio Diego, B- Christian Roundtree and ADF Teacher Robert Hansberry |
Check out the article about ADF's participation in the study from the Mobility Project:
"A recent short-term scientific study of American DanceWheels Foundation's Wheel One wheelchair dance curriculum showed that participants received significant physical and psychological benefits.
The study, a collaboration between American DanceWheels and the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, was led by principal investigator Dr. Minna Hong.
In July, teachers Melinda Kremer, Robert Hansberry and Aubree Marchione taught the six-week Wheel One program in the San Francisco Bay area, covering wheelchair ballroom and Latin dance including rumba, tango and salsa. More than 30 couples participated.
The participants showed significant gains in strength, coordination and range of motion as well as improved wheelchair skills, confidence and self-image. Some participants reported weight loss.
Researchers are now pursuing a long-term study to further validate the therapeutic advantages of the wheelchair dancing program. Hong hopes to prove that this type of partner dance can also be used for post-traumatic stress disorder among wounded veterans. She is currently seeking publication for her findings in scientific journals.
The study was funded by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America and American DanceWheels supporters."
Take a look at a short documentary of the program!