The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults participate in a minimum of three to five days per week of 20 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, as well as two to three days per week of resistance and flexibility training. If you have a disabling condition, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury, you may need to look into specialized equipment to meet your exercise needs. Many options are available in the world of assistive technology (AT) for fitness these days.
About AT
Assistive technology refers to the use of low-tech or high-tech devices to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in self-care, leisure, education or work-related tasks. An occupational or physical therapist can help identify your specific needs and recommend the best ways to use assistive technology to suit your needs. If you have mobility needs, you may already be using a wheelchair, which is considered a form of assistive technology.
AT for Aerobic Fitness
To obtain optimal cardiorespiratory health, you should engage in at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activities, for a minimum of 10 minutes at a time. Adapted stationary bikes offer motor-assisted pedaling for individuals with neurological impairments. If you prefer a treadmill, you can attach handrails to assist with balance. There are also products similar to a mini-trampoline that provide partial support of your body weight through a sling seat and back strap.
AT for Resistance Training
Individuals with disabilities can often participate in upper-body exercises using standard weights and resistance machines. If you have difficulty grasping, you can get an exercise glove or a holding mitt that uses a hook-and-loop strap to help you hold the weight or bar. Specific machines exist for people with spinal cord injury and wheelchair users to improve upper body strength. For lower-body resistance training, there are resistance band systems, equipment for aquatic exercise, and products that provide functional electrical stimulation.
Other AT Devices
If you use a wheelchair, you may be interested in participating in wheelchair sports, such as basketball, tennis or cycling. A variety of sport-specific chairs are available. You can also get wheelchair gloves to assist with grasp and to reduce wear-and-tear on your skin. For water exercise, AT is available in the form of aquatic lifts to help you in and out of the pool, special flotation devices and even water wheelchairs.
References
- "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise"; The Recommended Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing And Maintaining Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness, And Flexibility In Healthy Adults; Michael L. Pollock, Ph.D., et al; June 1998
- Access IT: University of Washington: What is Assistive Technology?
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