Illnesses and accidents can change how a person lives and may even leave them disabled. Thankfully, many bodily functions can be restored through treatments like medication, therapy, and exercise. Research has shown that exercise physiology can be a great help for those with disabilities, making it easier to handle daily life challenges. With guidance from a skilled exercise physiologist, individuals can engage in safe exercise programs that enhance their mobility and independence.
This article explores the benefits of exercise physiology for people living with disabilities. If you’re interested, keep reading to find out more.
Our bodies respond to anything we expose them to, whether it’s medication, stimulation, or exercise. Exercise physiology examines how specific physical activities can have positive effects on the body. Exercise leads to physiological, biomechanical, and biochemical changes, so it’s important to do activities that benefit your body to prevent wasting time, effort, or risking injury.
Here are some ways exercise physiology can help those with disabilities:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause weakness in certain body parts, making tasks like lifting, walking, or dressing difficult, and even a few minutes of activity can be exhausting. Resistance and flexibility training can gradually help regain some independence.
Chronic pain is common for many with disabilities and can lead to emotional and mental health issues if not managed well. Fortunately, exercise offers relief without relying on synthetic medications. Understanding the source of pain helps in applying the right exercises, like yoga or Pilates, to stretch muscles, reduce spasticity, and ease tension. Plus, exercise boosts endorphins, the body’s natural mood-lifters, helping reduce pain. An exercise physiologist can craft a holistic pain management plan.
Muscle weakness and loss, often seen in spinal cord injuries or muscular dystrophy, can be addressed with the right resistance training. Using tools like resistance bands, weights, and specific exercises can target muscle groups effectively. Over time, you’ll find you have more endurance and can do more throughout the day, alongside improved muscle tone, which can enhance confidence and mental health.
Exercise also builds muscle strength, promoting stability and balance. Although it takes time, regular practice can help those with mobility issues stand up without help, move from one spot to another, and reach for objects with ease.
People with disabilities face a higher chance of secondary health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and obesity. Regular physical activity can help ward off these conditions, paving the way for a healthier future. Exercise improves heart and lung function, bone density, mobility, and aids in weight management. Focusing on specific issues with your exercise physiologist can help prevent additional illnesses.
Regular physical activity can greatly lift your mood, lower stress, and boost confidence. Participating in group exercises can also help you make new friends. These non-physical benefits tremendously boost mental and emotional health, leading to better physical well-being. They offer a sense of achievement and control, bringing a touch of normalcy and improving quality of life.
For many, living with a disability may feel like the end, but it doesn’t have to be. You can choose to be proactive, engaging in exercise to improve your circumstances. Exercise physiology has shown to benefit many with disabilities, and these examples are just a few. With a knowledgeable exercise physiologist, you can achieve even more.
So why wait? Schedule a session with your physiologist and start enjoying the many benefits of exercise.
