Water exercise programs, commonly referred to as water aerobics, are an excellent option for people with physical disabilities. These programs include both cardiovascular and resistance training and can improve endurance, strength, functional balance and overall general health. Because of the challenges and pain that people with physical disabilities face, water exercises create options for those who may not otherwise be able to exercise.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics are exercises similar to standard aerobic exercises that you complete while submersed partially or all the way to the chin. For example, jogging in the deep end of the pool provides increased resistance to jogging, similar to climbing a hill. However, the support of the water reduces the pain that someone with a physical disability may experience with a traditional treadmill program. Some therapy pools even include a treadmill within the water to facilitate rehabilitation.
Strengthening
Although any water exercise program inherently includes resistance because all activities are completed against the resistance of the water, additional strengthening is often a part of these activities. Many therapeutic pools at wellness centers provide you with specialized weighted dumbbells or wrist/ankle wrap-around weights that are made to float in the water but increase their weight as they absorb water when submersed. These can be used during aerobics or with traditional weight training movements. As an additional benefit, the fluid resistance provided by the water facilitates functional movement in the water as opposed to the limited movement on a standard weight machine.
Reduced Strain and Pain
The primary benefit of water exercise programs is that they offer you decreased strain on your joints which can effectively reduce your pain during and after exercise. Patients with arthritis are excellent candidates for water aerobics because they can complete intense aerobic exercise without straining their affected joints. Additionally, those with orthopedic injuries or back problems can benefit from the reduced impact. This increased comfort while exercising allows individuals with physical disabilities--who would otherwise be severely limited in their exercise participation--to work out harder and longer without increased pain.
Improved Functional Balance
During any water exercise program, participants will increase their overall functional balance. All of the exercises in a water program will help to strengthen core muscle groups as you have to increase your core response to maintain balance. A person with impaired balance faces a significant risk of fall and subsequent injury when completing a traditional exercise program. However, this balance-challenged individual will reduce his risk of fall or injury when exercising in the pool because he is less likely to fall in the pool but rather will float if he loses his balance.
Negatives
Water exercise programs can be difficult to participate in for a variety of reasons. The greatest limiting factor is the need of a large pool of water. Most participants access these therapy pools at wellness centers or athletic gyms. However, facilities that offer these amenities often charge an increased fee over other facilities. Furthermore, these facilities can be difficult to locate in rural areas, forcing participants to travel out of their town for access.
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