Weight lifting increases bone strength, known as bone density, and falls in the weight bearing exercise category for non-ambulatory patients. Non-ambulatory patients confined to wheelchairs or beds can benefit by using upper body resistive exercises and lower body passive resistance exercises to improve bone density. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor first since not all exercises may be for you.
Arm Strengtheners
Hand weights are resistance tools that can be used to increase your arm and shoulder bone strength. Chest presses fall into the weight bearing exercise category for non-ambulatory patients. Lay on your back either in bed or on an exercise table. Gently bend both elbows and place your upper arms parallel to your shoulders. Your body will look like a "t" at this point. Place a one or two pound weight into each hand. Slowly raise your arms toward the ceiling while unbending your elbows. Hold this position 10 seconds. Slowly lower your arms to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Upper Body Workout
Elastic bands offer another resistance tool option to increase bone strength during weight bearing exercises for non-ambulatory patients. Increase your shoulder, arm, hand and wrist bone strength by doing a bilateral side rotation. Sit upright in your wheelchair, feet shoulder-width apart on the floor. Place the end of a resistance band into each hand. Gently bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle. Slowly pull the band apart as you keep your elbows at your sides. Pull the band so your arms move away from your stomach. Hold this band stretch for 15 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Ankle and Foot Workouts
Non-ambulatory patients can enhance bone strength by using resistance bands as weight-bearing tools to strengthen foot and ankle bones. Place your wheelchair close to a door, but allow enough room so you can extend your legs. Attach one end of the resistance band to the door knob and make a loop with the other end. Lift your right leg in front of you while keeping your heel on the floor. Place your foot into the loop. Slowly bring your foot toward your body. Hold this position 10 seconds. Slowly return to original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again using your left leg.
Leg Bone Workouts
Non-ambulatory patients can increase knee and leg bone strength by doing hamstring curls using resistance bands as the weight-bearing tool. Sit upright in your wheelchair or on the side of your bed, with both feet firmly on the floor. Gently unbend your right knee and extend your leg in front of your body. Wrap one end of the band around a firm table leg and the other end around your right ankle. Slowly and gently pull your leg back toward your body. Use your hands to hold onto your chair for support purposes. Keep your other foot firmly on the floor. Feel the stretch along the backside of your knee. Hold this position for eight seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again using your left leg.
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