Exercise is essential to maintaining health for all persons, regardless of health. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides recommendations for persons six years and older with disabilities to improve health through physical activity. Sports, recreational activities and planned exercise are all beneficial for persons with disabilities. There are adapted pieces of exercise equipment as well as standard equipment available for the disabled individual to use to improve strength and overall health.
Recumbent Bike
The recumbent bike can be used by disabled persons to improve aerobic fitness. The recumbent bike sits low to the ground and provides back support. Feet are easily strapped into the pedals and pedaling is easy with adequate leg strength. The recumbent bike provides a variety of workout options to simulate hills and other terrain. It strengthens the muscles of the legs and inner thigh and minimizes impact on the joints of the knee and hip.
Arm Ergometer
The arm ergometer is used to improve aerobic fitness by utilizing the muscles of the upper body. It provides a great workout for the person without use of the legs. The arm ergometer is low impact and offers varied programs to challenge people of varied fitness levels. Most arm ergometers offer wheelchair access and other styles of arm ergometers rest easily on a table.
Fitness Machines
Fitness machines are designed to isolate and strengthen certain muscle groups. Directions are provided on the faceplate of the machine and highlight the action, muscles used, and proper body alignment. Fitness machines are great for the disabled person because most are used from a seated position. Fitness machines exist specifically for persons that are wheelchair bound. These machines are usually multi-station and allow ease of transition from one upper body exercise to the next. Lower body strength training attachments are rare on these types of machines. Lower body strength training is possible for the person isolated to a wheelchair with transfer assistance from a qualified professional.
Free Weights
Free weights are any type of weight not attached to a cable and used to improve muscle strength. Barbells, dumbbells, and medicine balls are all types of free weights. Free weights are great because they allow the user to move through full range of motion. Disabled persons can use free weights from a seated or standing position. Free weights come in a variety of denominations and weight plates make it easy to vary weight lifted. Disabled persons lifting free weights may need assistance from a qualified fitness professional to ensure proper execution.
Resistance Tubes
Resistance tubes are elastic forms of resistance used to improve muscle strength. Resistance tubes come in a variety of tensions to provide a challenging workout for people of all fitness levels. Lighter color resistance bands indicate light resistance while darker color resistance bands indicate heavy tension. They are easy to use for the disabled person due to handles and other tubes like Thera-band that wrap around the hand with ease. Resistance bands are easy to transport and lightweight, making exercise easy on the road or for the individual confined to a bed.
Warning
Before beginning an exercise program, a disabled individual should seek a physician's clearance. Work with a qualified fitness professional to perform a pre-activity assessment to determine your fitness level and to design your fitness program. If you are taking medications, research what effect they may have on your exercise response.
References
- "ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd edition;" J. Larry Durstine, Geoffrey E. Moore; 2003
- NCPAD: Exercise/fitness guidelines for people with disabilities
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