Being disabled doesn't mean giving up -- just witness the number of wheelchair entrants in any given fun run or marathon. When considering cardio training when disabled, the trick is to balance realistic expectations with the challenge and improvement everybody looks for in an exercise program.
Walking
Walking is a cardiovascular training method so low-impact and intuitive that Christer Rolf, author of "The Sports Injuries Handbook," recommends it for everybody who's physically capable of walking -- and that includes people who can only walk with the help of a cane or prosthetic. When walking, or helping somebody walk, consider two factors of that person's disability. If walking itself is a physical challenge, then walking with a buddy who can help catch a fall or support you if you overdo it is mandatory. For the mentally disabled, you will need to assess their ability to safely walk a route and return.
Water Activities
The natural buoyancy of water makes water activities a natural solution for people with balance or support problems. Somebody without the strength to stand under their own body weight can be happily upright in chest-deep water. Water aerobics, water walking, water running and swimming are all water activity options available at most community swimming centers and many health clubs.
Accessibility Options
For the truly motivated, there are ways to gain the ability to perform nearly all cardiovascular workout routines. A person with disabled legs can choose to run in a wheelchair. Somebody without arms can wear a life jacket to swim. Those with the budget can buy high-tech prosthetics that allow them to compete at -- and potentially above -- the normal level. Accessibility options are generally for those with a physical disability -- technological solutions for the mentally disabled are still mostly in the realm of science fiction.
Contraindications
Whenever considering a cardio program for the disabled -- yourself or a disabled friend -- it's important to stay informed about the contraindications for their particular disability. For example, water walking is great for somebody with weakened legs, but if their disability also makes them incontinent, it can be messy and embarrassing. The only person qualified to make contraindication decisions is a doctor or physical therapist. However, anybody can remember and implement those decisions.
References
- Ben Cohn; Adult Assisted Living Coordinator; Beaverton, OR
- "The Sports Injuries Handbook;" Christer Rolf; 2007
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