Paralysis may result from a spinal cord injury or damage to the nerves that control your limbs, such as nerve damage to your legs. Two types of paralysis are associated with spinal cord injury: paraplegia and tetraplegia. Paraplegia is paralysis of two limbs---your legs---and tetraplegia is paralysis of all four limbs. Paralyzed people who rely on wheelchairs often encounter difficulty exercising and may experience complications stemming from inactivity, including respiratory problems, circulatory issues and weight gain. You can exercise in a wheelchair, however, even with severe paralysis.
Exercises for Paraplegia
If you have paraplegia, you still have use of your arms and can access several upper-body exercises such as resistance training with dumbbells and aerobic exercise with hand ergometers. Some manufacturers also make universal gym machines specially designed for use with wheelchairs. You can also use your wheelchair for exercise by "running" laps on an indoor or outdoor track, which will also strengthen your arms, shoulders and lats. For group activities, you can join a sports league that specializes in wheelchair sports, such as basketball, volleyball or tennis. You can do seated yoga stretches and can even stretch your lower body with assistance.
Exercises for Moderate Tetraplegia
The level of tetraplegia that a patient experiences depends on the area and severity of the spinal cord or nerve injury. You may have use of your arms but have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing, and grip strength. If your tetraplagia is mild, you may be able to use free weights and a hand ergometer if you have adequate grip strength. You may also be able to use wrist weights that do not require you to hold the weights in your hands. Resistance bands are another alternative for those with reduced grip strength because they provide resistance but less chance of injury should your grip fail. You may also be able to use your wheelchair for a cardiovascular workout and to strengthen your upper body. Some patients with mild tetraplagia can participate in leagues that specialize in wheelchair sports.
Exercises for Severe Tetraplegia
Severe tetraplegia may involve total paralysis from the neck down---the condition experienced by Christopher Reeve, for example. If you have severe tetraplegia, you may have limited mobility in your head and neck, depending on the location of your injury, and you may need assistance from a physical therapist. The Spinal Cord Injury Network recommends several exercises for patients with severe tetraplegia. These exercises include assisted head tilts and rotations, assisted arm lifting overhead to raise your heart rate, and therapist-assisted mat exercises, such as leg lifts.
Considerations
If you have a spinal cord injury, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. You should also consult a physical therapist for evaluation and assistance with creating an exercise program. Consult with rehabilitation hospitals in your area for information on gyms with wheelchair-friendly equipment, programs or leagues, or see if the hospital has its own facilities.
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