Physical Activity and Fitness for Persons with Disabilities Theo Sheridan Landon Oelke HHP 291

A Paradigm Shift in Thought about Physical Activity Common questions asked by disabled person about exercise: What good is it to exercise for people already disabled? What I aggravate my condition? What if exercise uses all of my energy for regular daily activities? What if it is to painful to exercise because of my conditions? Concerns of exercise facilitators and administrators What if they fall and injure themselves while exercising? Am I liable if they get injured?

A Paradigm Shift in Thought about Physical Activity The new paradigm is one of inclusion and integration of individuals with disabilities Activities are now designed and engaged for purposes beyond that of rehabilitation Programs are set in place that are best suited for the individuals needs, capacities, and limitations Studies now show that not all physical activity has to be vigorous to provide health benefits Physical Fitness is “a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity”

Fitness Development Model Today Includes the play, sport, physical demands of employment involving large and small muscle Used for the daily activities of disabled and abled bodied people This change has occurred because disabled people required it

Benefits of Activity/Fitness for People with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities can gain similar benefits from physical activity as those without disabilities Possible Benefits include: Enhanced function of the heart, lungs, and muscles Improved flexibility, mobility, and coordination Lessened negative effects of their disabilities Increased stamina for daily activities, makes for easier daily living

Challenges to Becoming Physically Active Attitudinal and architectural barriers Sedentary lifestyle Inefficient movement patterns Mechanical efficiency and energy levels Depression Physical appearance

Effects of Disabilities on Health- Related Fitness Components Similar benefits to those that are possible with people In general, everyone has the ability to improve his/her level of physical fitness

Elements of Physical Fitness Cardiovascular health Muscular strength Flexibility Body Composition

Benefits of Cardiovascular Fitness Decreased resting heart rate Decreased resting blood pressure Improved circulation Increased muscular endurance Increased bone density and mass Your physician should be contacted before you start any exercise program to make sure that it is safe to partake in the activity

Benefits of Muscular Strength Increased physical function Increased independence in daily living Fewer medical complications Increased heart muscle thickness Greater stroke volume Increased coordination Benefits of performing these exercises when a disability is present depends on the severity of the injury

Benefits of Flexibility Improved movement proficiency Increased range of motion Improved posture Reduced musculoskeletal injuries Controlled spasticity

Benefits of Good Body Composition Lower risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension Decreased stress on heart and lungs Less pain on joints Better posture Increased self esteem Some body compositions are a direct result of the effects that disabilities has on it. Levels of body composition varies amongst disabilities

Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness Programs Easy to do Access should be available to all members of the community Disabilities of people should be considered before a program is put into place Start in the K-12 level

Video Example of physical activities that people with disabilities can do xkY

Sources Improving Health and Wellness of People with Disabilities." Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb "NCHPAD : Developmental Disability and Fitness." NCHPAD : Developmental Disability and Fitness. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb "Perceived Exertion (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Mar Web. 26 Feb Turner, R. Jay, and Samuel Noh. JSTOR. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb Physical Activity Among Persons with Disabilities-- a public health perspective. (Heath GW, Fentem PH) Journal of Aging Research (Dori Rosenburg, Charles Bombardier) Physical Activities for Disabled (Jackie Lohrey) Improving Health and Wellness of People with Disabilities (Suzanne C. Smeltzer)