UE Completes Pilot Fitness Program to Improve Exercise Access for Individuals with Spinal Cord InjuriesDepartment of Physical Therapy517 FitnessRead full article…

Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By: University Communications

The University of Evansville (UE) Department of Physical Therapy, in partnership with 517 Fitness, and a task force including Physical Therapy alumni and other community leaders, recently launched and completed a pilot program called All A.C.C.E.S.S. Fitness (Accessible Community Collaboration Empowering Survivors of Spinal Cord Injury), a communitybased exercise program designed to improve access to safe, inclusive fitness opportunities for adults living with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in southwest Indiana.

The 16-session pilot program was conducted over 10 weeks, made possible through funding from Welborn and concluded with five participants from across the Evansville region.

Adults with SCI face significantly higher rates of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and depression. While regular physical activity can help reduce these risks, many individuals with SCI encounter barriers to exercise, including inaccessible gym spaces, limited adaptive equipment, transportation challenges, and a lack of fitness professionals trained to work with individuals with disabilities.

All A.C.C.E.S.S. Fitness was created to address these barriers through a community-based, adaptive exercise program developed with input from individuals with lived SCI experience, local advocates, and healthcare professionals. Through a partnership with 517 Fitness, participants receive individualized strength and cardiovascular training in an inclusive environment, supported by specially trained personal trainers and overseen by licensed Physical Therapists who monitor safety and outcomes related to fitness and quality of life.

"Individuals living with spinal cord injury often face significant barriers to accessing safe, effective exercise opportunities in their own communities," said Hannah LaMar, DPT, Clinical Assistant Professor and Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. "All A.C.C.E.S.S. Fitness was designed to remove some of those barriers by creating an inclusive environment where participants can build strength and gain confidence alongside trained fitness professionals who understand their needs. Our hope is that this program not only improves quality of life for participants but also helps create a more accessible fitness culture throughout our region."

"This is a fantastic example of collaboration in our region. The UE PT team saw the need in the patient population, convened the right team to make it happen, and secured the funding from a trusted partner. Everyone involved is so passionate and we are very proud to be involved," said Logan Jenkins of Circular Venture Lab and a member of the task force.

With the successful completion of the pilot program, the All A.C.C.E.S.S. Fitness leadership team is exploring opportunities to expand the initiative and serve more individuals living with spinal cord injury throughout the region. Community members and organizations interested in supporting future programming are encouraged to contact the University of Evansville Department of Physical Therapy at 812-488-1209 or [email protected].