Introduction: exercise capacities and adaptations of people with chronic disabilities--current research, future directions, and widespread applicability.

This symposium addresses the unique physiological problems, current research, future needs, and widespread applicability for research involving people experiencing five major chronic disabilities within the United States: quadriplegia, paraplegia, mental retardation, multiple sclerosis, and poliomyelitis. Each author represents ACSM members who, by their distinguished research efforts, exemplify scientists who have demonstrated their dedication to the specific needs of these populations. The papers will give a brief description of the pathophysiology of the disability and the resultant effects upon the group's acute response to exercise and their physiological adaptations to exercise programs. Each paper will include reports on the state of current research and what benefits to that group could be expected if a major research breakthrough occurred. Additionally, the papers will indicate the major research questions currently confronting each population and a brief statement about the strategy needed to resolve these questions. If applicable, the authors will address how such a model (of the specific disability/disease) could be used to better understand the able-bodied response to exercise. The purpose of this symposium, therefore, was not only to better understand the effects of exercise on persons having chronic disabilities, but from a physiological point of view, to use what we know about the response of people with chronic disabilities to better understand the able-bodied response.