For the general population, exercise provides numerous physical, mental, and social health benefits such as reduced risk of secondary diseases, improved mental clarity, reduced stress levels, and enjoyment.The same can be said for individuals with paralysis caused from cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Stroke can cause neurologic dysfunction as well as neuromuscular paralysis, leading to frozen muscles and joints, muscular atrophy, and even secondary atherosclerosis. The severity and bodily functions affected in stroke survivors differ from case to case, however these individuals can all benefit from exercise, whether traditional or modified. In fact, they seek to reap not only the same health benefits as the general population, but additional benefits that exercise provides for those with paralysis.
In a study comparing the … it was concluded that “regular physical activity may be a decisive factor for the well-being of paraplegics.”1. Likewise, a study investigating the … identified improved general health, better fitness and fortitude, and better physiological and mental well being as the most reported positive effects of exercise among people with physical disabilities. In addition, for those who have a lower degree of participation, exercise could have a double effect on their health. Among popular exercises for individuals with disabilities the most popular included strength training, aquatic training, and horseback riding.
In spite of the evidence supporting the benefits of exercise, it can be difficult for paralyzed individuals to locate and join an exercise facility willing to work with the limitations and risk factors of their condition. Tarleton State University houses one of the only University funded exercise facilities for individuals with disabilities specializing in paralysis. This facility is known as the Tarleton Laboratory for Wellness and Motor Behavior, and was formed in the early 1990’s to benefit individuals with disabilities through adaptive exercise and is free of charge. The Laboratory is supervised by two kinesiology graduate students who are responsible for programming exercises and scheduling intern and teacher assistant kinesiology undergraduate students. All students are handpicked for their excellence and expertise in the classroom, as well as their passion to help individuals with disabilities such as stroke. Through adaptive forms of exercise the Laboratory for Wellness and Motor Behavior improves individuals total quality of life through corrective human movement and increased physical activity.
It is crucial to understand the logical phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it” and how it applies to a sedentary lifestyle experienced by individuals living with paralysis.
Resources
1Grange, C. C., Bougenot, M. P., Groslambert, A., Tordi, N., & Rouillon, J. D. (2002). Perceived exertion and rehabilitation with wheelchair ergometer: Comparison between patients with spinal cord injury and healthy subjects. Spinal cord, 40, 513- 518. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.zeus.tarleton.edu:81/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=86a53182-3a05-49ae-8fdd-3ab654bf05a0%40sessionmgr15&vid=5&hid=8
2Junker, L., & Carlberg, E. B. (2011). Factors that affect exercise participation among people with physical disabilities. Advances in Physiotherapy, 13, 18-25. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.zeus.tarleton.edu:81/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=86a53182-3a05-49ae-8fdd-3ab654bf05a0%40sessionmgr15&vid=3&hid=8
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