When people without mobility impairments find it hard enough to exercise—78% of the general population, to be exact—it’s no wonder that those with limited mobility would find it to be an uphill battle.
Yet, for persons with impaired mobility—whether due to neurological disorders, injury, chronic disease, or simply ageing—exercise can play a big part in improving their quality of life.
Here are just some of the ways that exercise can help those with impaired mobility.
Mobility impairments can often lead to sedentary lifestyles, especially among those who are still adjusting to limited mobility due to injury or disease.
Being sedentary can come with health risks, such as increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Those with impaired movement in one or both legs often need to rely more on their upper body for mobility and balance.
This means developing the upper body is crucial, as the strength will make it easier to get around. Having well-developed muscles will mean better support for joints such as the shoulders, wrists, and elbows.
Developing the upper body is crucial for those adapting to the use of mobility devices like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Slowing down muscle dystrophy with resistance training
Another key benefit of muscle training is to slow down or prevent muscle dystrophy, which is the progressive loss of muscle volume and strength. This happens both due to lack of muscle use, as well as gradually with old age.
Resistance training, along with a proper diet with sufficient protein, will build muscle and delay this loss of muscle mass and strength. This is especially important for women, as they are more susceptible to muscle dystrophy.
On that same note, exercise can help prevent injuries among those using canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other adaptive devices by encouraging optimal movement patterns.
The repetitive movements required when using manual mobility aids can put one at risk of injury, especially when one has only recently started using them.
Apart from the strength development mentioned earlier, exercise can also help train correct movement patterns that recruit muscles efficiently and minimise the amount of strain on joints.
A qualified occupational therapist can help teach you the correct form and techniques for using specific devices, taking into consideration your particular movement limitations.
For those who spend extended periods seated or in one position, circulation can be a challenge. Exercise promotes blood flow, helping to reduce swelling, especially in the legs and feet.
Gentle movement exercises or even resistance band workouts can stimulate circulation and help prevent complications such as deep-vein thrombosis. Improved circulation also enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, supporting faster healing and overall tissue health.
Exercise has long been known to be beneficial for people’s mental health in general. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can alleviate stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
For those who are struggling emotionally and mentally with the life changes and limitations caused by their impaired mobility, this can be especially vital. Individuals with impaired mobility are more likely to present with depressive symptoms.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine also promotes self-confidence and independence, helping individuals feel more empowered and in control of their bodies and well-being.
Another often overlooked benefit of exercise is the opportunities for social interaction that it creates.
People with limited mobility can often struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness when they find themselves unable to participate in activities that they used to enjoy. Older people, in particular, are more vulnerable to loneliness.
Group exercise activities can help create chances to meet new people, and join communities of people with similar experiences.
Becoming more active and social can also open one up to a broader range of hobbies and interests that they have never tried before, leading to more motivation and improved mood.
Group exercise and sport communities for those with limited mobility can open up a new world of hobbies and passions.
Getting started in exercise can be intimidating for anyone, and especially so for those with impaired mobility.
Trained professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help you get started. Here’s how:
Physiotherapists and OTs can teach you the proper form for the exercises you need to target specific muscle groups and weaknesses.
They can create a custom exercise plan that takes into account your impaired mobility and pain points, as well as your goals and the activities you want to participate in. These plans will help ensure you’re getting the right amount of exercise without overstraining.
They can also prescribe exercises specifically for moving efficiently and safely with your mobility devices.
Physiotherapists and OTs can regularly assess your progress and make adjustments to your exercise plan as your strength and mobility improve. They can make modifications to the exercise if you find it too difficult to do at first, or if you encounter any unexpected discomfort or pain as a result.
A physiotherapist or OT can also guide the carers, whether professional or family, of those with mobility impairments on how to help them perform exercises safely.
We have a team of highly skilled physiotherapists and occupational therapists ready to set you on your path to a higher quality of life.
Whether you’d like to get started on an exercise routine, or wish to address a specific pain point or injury, get in touch.
Call us at 02 8808 4000 or message us through this contact form. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and talk about your needs.