The need for fitness is universal and applies to people with disabilities -- including those with spinal cord injuries. People with limited mobility engage in exercise for the usual reasons: to improve fitness, lose weight, strengthen muscles and joints or build stamina. While spinal cord injuries make achieving fitness a challenge, with a few precautions and modifications, you can achieve a high level of fitness and avoid the health risks related to lack of mobility, according to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spine is composed of bone disks called vertebrae. Injuries that dislocate or fracture your vertebrae can cause spinal cord injuries. Although vertebrae injuries can sever the spinal cord, most injuries result from vertebrae pieces that damage the nerves that relay signals, according to MedlinePlus. A person who suffers a complete spinal cord injury is paralyzed below the level at which he is injured. An incomplete spinal cord injury leaves some sensation and movement below the level of injury. Depending on the place of injury, a person might be a quadriplegic and have impairment of all limbs, or she might be a paraplegic and have impairment in the legs, reports the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability.
Need
People with disabilities are at increased risk of being overweight, partly due to changes in metabolism, lost muscle mass and decreased physical activity, notes the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Fitness can prevent pain in the shoulders, joint deterioration and damage to rotator cuffs experienced by people in wheelchairs. Moisture trapped in your skin folds caused by excess weight can cause skin sores. Exercise improves sleep, enhances emotional health and maintains flexibility.
Recommendations
The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, or NCPAD, recommends a wellness routine, including exercise, following completion of your rehabilitation. Your personalized fitness program should be developed with a spinal cord injury specialist. Identify resources such as a fitness facility, adaptive equipment and trained professionals that can help you achieve your fitness goals and functional independence. A well-rounded program includes cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strengthening, range-of-motion exercises and circuit and interval training using adaptive equipment to provide aerobic benefit. Consistent exercise is required to improve and maintain fitness. The NCPAD recommends three to four days a week with a mixture of in-home exercise and workouts at a facility.
Precautions
People with spinal cord injuries need to take specific precautions during exercise or other fitness activities. Spinal cord injuries prevent the normal communication between your nerves, spinal cord and brain. Limited communication prevents you from recognizing and responding quickly to danger signals such as discomfort, pain and dangerous increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Low blood pressure -- which is a major side-effect of spinal cord injury -- decreased respiratory function, muscle atrophy, joint damage and bone deterioration also present challenges to achieving fitness goals.
Benefits
The benefits of physical activity are the same for people with spinal cord injuries as for all people. Exercise and physical activity reduces your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and joint pain and swelling. Regular activity also decreases your risk for anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Group activities or work with a personal trainer or physical therapist prevents isolation and provides opportunities for socialization, according to The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Tips
Work with a professional nutrition or dietitian to address your nutritional needs, including hydration.
Warnings
See your doctor before starting a fitness or exercise program. The NCPAD recommends working with a professional who specializes in spinal cord injuries and choosing a facility that is prepared for the special needs of those with spinal cord injuries.
