Exercise can play an important part in the treatment and rehabilitation of some people with disability. It can help to:
- improve stamina and energy levels
- maintain strength and coordination
- manage weight
- decrease stress
- maintain overall health.
Exercise can also help improve:
Exercise can be in the form of cardiovascular fitness, stretching or strengthening exercises. It is recommended a physiotherapist or other qualified health professional should be consulted to conduct a physical assessment before commencing any exercise program. This ensures appropriate advice is given in relation to any pre-existing health conditions or injuries, current levels of fitness, appropriate levels of exercise for age and disability and will also ensure overall guidance on a suitable program.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A range of adapted exercise devices are available to assist individuals with physical, visual, hearing and/or cognitive impairments to carry out exercise including:
- adapted bikes such as those with hand pedals, handle bar adaptations or electric powered bicycles
- a range of audible balls (bells or sound device in middle to alert when coming)
- a range of adapted floatation aids to assist with water based exercise
- talking pedometers which measure number of steps or distance travelled.
Undertaking exercise and maintaining adequate levels of fitness may assist individuals with disability within their work role by improving stamina and energy levels, strength, co-ordination, managing weight and overall health. Exercise can also be used as a tool to manage stress.
The following links provide more information on stress management and exercise equipment:
References
Bike-on (no date specified), Hase Kettwiesel Handcycle, Bike-on, Rhode Island, viewed 24 January 2011, http://bike-on.com/index.cfm.
Boerner, H. 2008, ‘Many Ways: Adapted Exercise Boost Body and Spirit’, Momentum Magazine Article: National MS Society, Washington DC, viewed 24 January 2011, http://www.nationalmssociety.org/download.aspx?id=849.
Disability Lifestyles 2004-2007, Fitness and Exercise, Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, Brisbane, viewed 24 January 2011, http://www.disabilitylifestyles.org.au/index.html?page=41916.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Recreation: Sports and Leisure, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 24 January 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=NSW&page=1&MC=71&MinC=40.