Illnesses and accidents can affect an individual’s lifestyle and even leave him disabled and incapacitated. Fortunately, many bodily functions can be restored through medication, therapy, and exercise.
Through research, experts have found a way to help people with disabilities deal with the difficulty and challenges of everyday life through the physiology of exercise. With the help of an exercise physiologist, a disabled individual can follow a safe exercise program to enhance their mobility and independence.
This post will discuss how exercise physiology can benefit people with disabilities. So, if you want to learn more about the topic, stick to the end.
What is exercise physiology?
The body reacts to whatever you’re exposed to, whether it’s medication, stimulation, or physical activity. Physiology is the study of how specific physical activities can positively affect the body. You may not know it, but your body undergoes physiological, biomechanical, and biochemical changes during exercise. That’s why it’s important to implement activities that are good for your body so you don’t waste time and effort or you might hurt yourself.
The following are ways in which people with disabilities can benefit:
1.Improve physical function
People with TBA or traumatic brain injury may experience weakness in a specific part of the body. This leaves them unable to lift, walk, or even simple tasks like getting dressed. A few minutes of movement can tire them out quickly.
Fortunately, with resistance and flexibility training, they can gradually regain some function to live independently.
2.Better pain management
Chronic pain can be something that many people with disabilities have to deal with regularly. If not managed properly, it can lead to emotional and mental health problems. Fortunately, the pain can be managed with proper exercise without the use of synthetic medications.
The important thing here is to understand the source of the pain and how exercise can be applied appropriately to deal with this problem. For example, yoga or Pilates can help stretch muscles to prevent cramping and reduce muscle tension, which can be causing pain.
In addition, exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which can help reduce pain.
An experienced exercise physiologist can provide a comprehensive pain management program.
3.Increase strength
Spinal cord injuries and muscular dystrophy can cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. But with proper resistance training, one can address these issues.
Tools such as resistance bands, weights, and appropriate exercises can target specific muscle groups and address these concerns. In time, you’ll notice that you don’t tire as quickly and can get more done in a day. In addition, your body will look more proportional and even, which can also positively affect your self-confidence and mental health.
4.better balance
With exercise, a disabled individual can strengthen their muscles, which promotes stability and balance. Although it may take time, regular practice can help someone with mobility issues stand up unaided, move from place to place, or easily reach items behind them or on the floor.
5.Reduce the risk of developing secondary health conditions
People with disabilities are more likely to have secondary health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and obesity. But with regular physical activity and proper exercise, this can be avoided, and you can see a brighter and healthier future.
Exercise can improve heart and lung function, bone density, and mobility, as well as help with weight management.
As long as you work on specific concerns with an exercise physiologist, you can help avoid further illnesses in addition to your disability.
6.Increase the overall quality of life
You will notice that while you are doing regular physical activity, your mood is better, your stress levels are significantly reduced, and your confidence is skyrocketing. Moreover, you can gain new friends and acquaintances when you participate in group activities.
These intangible benefits have an incredible impact on an individual’s mental and emotional health, which ultimately leads to physical well-being. These can also give a sense of accomplishment and control and allow for a semblance of normalcy, leading to a better quality of life.
Conclusion
For many people, living with a disability can be the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can either wallow in self-pity or do something proactive about it, like engaging in regular exercise.
Exercise physiology has been shown to be beneficial for many people with disabilities. Mentioned here are just a few of them; With the help of a qualified and experienced exercise physiologist, you can achieve more.
So what are you waiting for? Book that session with a physiologist and start reaping the many benefits of exercise.