Wheelchair push-ups are strength training exercises designed for individuals who permanently or temporarily rely on a wheelchair for everyday mobility and transportation. Like all muscle-building activities, push-ups provide a number of significant health benefits. They also help individuals in wheelchairs avoid potential skin problems and relieve undue pressure on their lower limbs.
Basics
Wheelchair push-ups, also called sitting push-ups, require you to raise your body from the seat of a wheelchair by placing your hands on the armrests of the chair and pushing upward with your arms. If you use a wheelchair, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend these push-ups to help you build your upper body strength, improve your heart and lung function and diminish the physical consequences of limited lower body mobility. Specifically, performance of wheelchair push-ups can help prevent the formation of pressure sores, also called decubitus ulcers, which result from tissue damage triggered by prolonged periods of sitting.
Strength Training
Push-ups of all varieties belong to a class of strength training exercises called body weight exercises. Potential benefits of body weight exercises and other strength training activities include maintenance of muscle mass, increased bone strength, sharpened mental focus, improved management of the effects of arthritis and diabetes, increased physical stamina and weight control. Specific benefits of strength training for individuals in wheelchairs include an improved ability to push a wheelchair throughout the day and greater ease in carrying or transferring items from a seated position.
Frequency
You can typically gain the benefits of wheelchair push-ups by performing them throughout the day. For instance, if you have a spinal cord injury, hold yourself in a raised push-up position for anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds at a time every 10 to 30 minutes. However, this is just an example. Ask your doctor and physical therapist about push-up duration and training schedules that fit your particular situation and health circumstances.
Considerations
Other potential options for wheelchair exercise include the use of light weights and resistance bands. Before and after these activities, you will also typically need to perform stretching exercises to reduce your chances of injury. If you are new to exercising, you may also need to perform range-of-motion exercises to further reduce your risk. Consult your doctor and physical therapist for more information before you begin performing wheelchair push-ups or other exercises.
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