| Exercise is strongly recommended for people who | | | | allows a person to engage in full range of motion |
| have arthritis. But what about people who are | | | | exercise. A flotation device also can be worn so |
| confined to a wheelchair? How can they | | | | that a person can paddle with their arms and legs. |
| exercise? This article discusses that topic. | | | | An alternative might be to use a kickboard or to |
| Despite being confined to a wheelchair, a person | | | | hold onto the side of a pool. Some aqua-exercise |
| with arthritis can still enjoy the benefits of | | | | classes are sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation |
| exercise. In fact, exercise becomes even more | | | | at a local YMCA. |
| important as a treatment modality. The reason | | | | Arm ergometers are devices that function as |
| is that the sedentary existence of being in a | | | | simple bicycles for the hands. These are often |
| wheelchair causes rapid deterioration of muscle | | | | found at physical therapy locations. Larger health |
| tone and cardiovascular fitness. These need to | | | | clubs often have one or two of these on the |
| be regained as quickly as possible. | | | | gym floor. Some arm ergs are designed so that a |
| One thing to keep in mind is that the exercise | | | | wheelchair can be wheeled into place so the |
| regimen needs to be varied. No single workout | | | | person can grab the handles and start circling their |
| delivers everything a body needs to be healthy | | | | arms. |
| and strong. | | | | If a suitable home environment is present, then |
| According to Martica Heaner, a noted physiologist, | | | | doing exercises at home is an option. Several |
| nutritionist, and fitness instructor, an overall | | | | fitness DVDs and videos offer seated workouts. |
| fitness program should include cardio training to | | | | If the movement is continuous and vigorous |
| strengthen the heart and lungs as well as muscle | | | | enough, a good cardio effect can be achieved. |
| exercises to improve muscle strength, endurance | | | | Just as many people go mall-walking, a person in a |
| and flexibility. Coordination and balance also are | | | | wheelchair can do the same
only in their |
| good areas to target. An important goal for all | | | | wheelchair. Chart a training course and wheel |
| people, but especially those with disabilities, is to | | | | around a shopping mall to increase your |
| develop functional strengthor an improved | | | | cardiovascular endurance. A school track can also |
| ability to perform normal tasks of daily living. A | | | | be an option for nice weather days. It’s a |
| person who uses a wheelchair will benefit from | | | | good idea to protect your hands from the |
| doing exercises that strengthen the upper body | | | | constant friction with gloves. |
| so they can wheel themselves around without | | | | If manual dexterity is not a big problem, then light |
| tiring out, shift themselves in their chair and get in | | | | weight or resistance training is an option to |
| and out of it easily. | | | | explore. One can purchase resistance bands and |
| Even though a person may have arthritis, there | | | | or weights and work out at home. A physical |
| are specific types of exercise that will help | | | | therapist and (if your funds allow) a personal |
| improve the ability to carry out activities of daily | | | | trainer can show you exercises. Ms Heaner also |
| living. Arthritis causes a multiplicity of problems. | | | | says,
check out a fitness DVD, video, CD |
| For instance, people with rheumatoid arthritis may | | | | or audiotape. Try the Sit and Be Fit series, |
| have significant arm, wrist, and hand dysfunction | | | | which offers workouts targeted to different |
| that would require a different set of exercises | | | | illnesses
|
| from someone who has osteoarthritis affecting | | | | If pain is an issue, then the rheumatologist needs |
| the hips and knees only. | | | | to be consulted. Sometimes they will |
| Also, people who have been confined to a | | | | recommend a dose of an analgesic prior to the |
| wheelchair for extended periods of time may | | | | exercise program for help through minor aches |
| have rotator cuff or other shoulder abnormalities | | | | and pains. As a person gets stronger and more |
| that may make arm exercises difficult. | | | | accustomed to exercise, pain and discomfort |
| As a result, it’s important that specific | | | | should lessen. |
| needs be addressed in an individualized fashion. | | | | If a lot of pain is experienced by the exercise |
| Also, the arthritis should be as well controlled as | | | | program, then it may be too vigorous. It’s |
| possible with medication. Arthritis that is not | | | | important not to push too hard, since this may be |
| optimally controlled can not only lead to more | | | | a sign that one is causing injury to the joints. |
| joint problems but also make what should be an | | | | Finally, a person can usually find different options |
| enjoyable diversion into a torture session. | | | | available in the community. Physical therapy |
| Water exercises are an excellent option for those | | | | centers, health clubs, YMCAs and senior centers |
| who are wheelchair bound. Many facilities have | | | | may offer groups classes targeted to wheelchair |
| wheelchair access. The buoyancy of the water | | | | exercisers. |