The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "paraplegic" as a person with paralysis of the body, involving the legs. Paraplegics include those who have lived with paraplegia their entire lives, as well as people who have become paralyzed later in life....
A paraplegic has limited or no use of his lower extremities, but does have use of his arms, hands and head. A doctor-approved series of gentle exercises can improve upper body strength so that a paraplegic gains greater mobility and ease in daily...
Like their able-bodied peers, paraplegics need to include aerobic and strengthening exercise in their regular workouts. Typically, paraplegics have the use of their arms and can perform a wide range of cardiovascular and weight lifting routines....
Paraplegia is a condition that occurs when someone loses the use of his legs through an accident or disease. Typically, it is due to damage in the spinal cord below the neck. Staying fit as a paraplegic may be challenging to some, as the legs are...
The International Tennis Federation reports paraplegic athletes practice wheelchair tennis in more than 150 tournaments, in 90 countries around the world. Just like able-bodied tennis, competitors must exhibit high levels of fitness, skill and...
Paraplegia refers to the loss of muscle below the waist. Being wheelchair-bound does not separate you from your peers when it comes to the importance of fitness. You must still work your cardiovascular system, build lean muscle and work on balance...
Paraplegia involves the loss of function and movement in the muscles below the waist. Most paraplegics are in wheelchairs to accommodate the paralysis in their legs, but most have full function above their waist and are able to perform abdominal...
A paraplegic is someone who is paralyzed below the waist. The most common cause of paraplegia is spinal cord injury caused by a broken back. Physical exercise is as important to a paraplegic as it is to someone with full use of his legs. Both the...
Stretching exercises for paraplegic spasms are aimed at helping you reduce the frequency of leg spasms via range-of-motion work as well as strengthening work. While spasms can sometimes be brought on by extensive stretching, the Apparelyzed...
If you've suffered a spinal cord injury that inhibits the use of your lower body, your day-to-day life drastically changes. You have probably discovered a number of barriers to exercise, making regular physical activity more difficult than it was...
For paraplegics who use a wheelchair, basic workouts can be difficult because of movement limitations and restricted access to exercise equipment. You may already require assistance from someone to do everyday activities. Upper-body exercise...
Paraplegia is a major medical condition characterized by partial or complete paralysis of the lower extremities. This type of paralysis occurs as a result of damage to certain areas of the spinal cord, which runs from your neck to your lower back....
Paraplegia, a condition linked to spinal cord injuries, causes lower body paralysis. While persons with paraplegia may have partial or complete upper body mobility, muscles may atrophy and cardiovascular health may decline because of inactivity. A...
The type of spinal cord injury known as paraplegia comes in two forms -- total, or complete paralysis of the lower extremities and partial paralysis of the abdomen and lower extremities. The amount of calories needed for each will vary.
A woman who might possibly be pregnant looks for any sign to let her know she might have a little one on the way. Although a paraplegic woman suffers from nerve damage from the waist down, the early signs of pregnancy for a woman with a disability...
Paraplegia, or paralysis of the legs and a lack of feeling in the lower extremities, results from damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the severity of paraplegia, the lower trunk may also be affected. Some physical therapists modify elliptical...
An injury to the spinal cord can have permanent consequences. The spinal cord and brain are the most important parts of the central nervous system. The result of these injuries may be paralysis, which permanently affects the ability to move....
Optimal fitness for anyone entails muscular conditioning for strength and endurance and aerobic exercise to enhance cardiovascular health. Ideally, you should exercise four or five days a week. To avoid injury and over-conditioning, give yourself...
Paraplegia is a paralysis that affects all or a portion of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs. A spinal cord injury often results in permanent loss of movement below the site of the injury, explains the Mayo Clinic. Being confined to a wheelchair...
Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that causes paralysis of the legs and part or all of the torso. Nutrition plays an important role in the management of paraplegia because of the increased risk of obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and pressure...
Paraplegics have special concerns with excess weight in the lower extremities, including difficult transfers and mobility issues as well as skin problems such as pressure ulcers. There is no way to lose weight in one area, such as the legs, but...
Whether you were born paraplegic or lost the use of your legs through injury or disease, you need to participate in some form of exercise to remain healthy. Aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises should be integrated into a complete fitness...
If you suffer from paraplegia, there's no reason you can't live a long and healthful life. Paralysis in the lower extremities does come with the risk of numerous other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and overuse injuries of the...
Paraplegia is paralysis of both lower limbs and can be caused by an accident, malformation, infection, or disease such as polio. If you are paraplegic and in a wheelchair you may be more susceptible to inactivity related diseases such as obesity,...
Paraplegia is a condition in which a person loses the ability to move his legs. This condition most often results in the individual being confined to a wheelchair. If you're suffering from paraplegia and are confined to a wheelchair, you can still...
Regular exercise is important for people with spinal injuries, especially ones that result in paraplegia. Being in a seated position most of the time can set the stage for various health issues, including lower circulation, lower bone density,...
Weight gain can make life as a paraplegic more challenging. You might have more difficulty being independent because your excess weight makes it harder to propel your chair and transfer out of it (see reference 5). It can also increase your risk...
Spinal cord injury can be a devastating experience that changes the way you use your body. Depending on the location and severity of the injury you may suffer complete -- total lack of feeling below the level of the injury -- or incomplete...
Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral medication taken for the problem of erectile dysfunction. This drug helps men maintain sexuality to build or continue a satisfying physical intimacy. This drug is available in three different doses, 25 mg, 50 mg and...
Snowmobiling can be a great deal of fun for those who are disabled. Remember to take the proper safety precautions. Learn how to snowmobile with a disability in this winter sports video.
Play a game of hoops from a wheelchair. Learn tips and techniques for playing wheelchair basketball in this adaptive sports video.
