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Physical Activity for People with a Disability

Key Messages

Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
Significant health benefits can be obtained with a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. The same moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as 30-40 minutes of wheeling oneself in a wheelchair) or in shorter sessions of more strenuous activities (such as 20 minutes of wheelchair basketball).
Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity. People who can maintain a regular routine of physical activity that is of longer duration or of greater intensity are likely to derive greater benefit.
Previously sedentary people who begin physical activity programmes should start with short intervals of physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired level of activity.
People with disabilities should first consult a physician before beginning a programme of physical activity to which they are unaccustomed.

Facts

People with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities, yet they have the same needs to promote their health and prevent unnecessary disease.
Social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Reduces the risk of developing stroke, colon cancer and osteoporosis.
Promotes healthy blood sugar levels which can reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes
Increases levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol which can help reduce the risk of heart disease
Can prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure and help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
Improves stamina and muscle strength
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, improves mood, and promotes general feelings of well-being.
Helps to manage stress
Helps maintain a healthy weight, building lean muscle and reducing fat
Boosts the immune system
Increases overall energy level

Many studies suggest that involvement in regular physical activity has specific benefits for children.

Improves children’s skeletal health which reduces the future risk of developing osteoporosis
Improves children’s’ mental health and contributes to their growth and development
Can increase self-esteem and perceived physical competence
Can improve in discipline, academic performance and self concept
Enhances skill performance in classroom functions such as arithmetic, reading, memorization, and categorization

What Communities Can Do

Provide community-based programmes to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, be they integrated or segregated
Ensure that environments and facilities conducive to being physically active are available and accessible to people with disabilities, such as offering safe, accessible, and attractive trails for cycling, walking, and wheelchair activities, and accessible leisure facilities and swimming pools (hoists).
Ensure that people with disabilities are involved at all stages of planning and implementing community physical activity programmes.
Provide quality, preferably daily, accessible physical education classes for children and youths with disabilities.
Encourage health care providers to talk routinely to their patients with disabilities about incorporating physical activity into their lives.

For details of programmes already providing physical activity for people with a disability in the Limerick County area, please Contact the Limerick County Sports Partnership.