The information is from Hollister, which produce Ostomy Care, Continence Care and Critical Care products, and is shared with their consent.
Explore the benefits of exercise for people with Spinal Cord Injuries.
If you have a spinal cord injury (SCI), there are many advantages to participating in a sport or form of exercise. Here are five benefits.
- Maximise your overall ability. People with limited motor function may be able to train their other abilities to compensate. Muscles can take over additional functions if they are trained correctly. This is especially true for the upper limbs and torso of people who use wheelchairs.
- Diminish your spastic activity. Many people with paraplegia have a so-called spinal spasticity effect. Physical activity may diminish this spastic activity.
- Improve your circulation. Staying active and moving your body may lead to better circulation. This can help prevent the formation of pressure ulcers (decubitus).
- Enhance your mental health.The positive mental effects of exercise are significant. When you are physically active, you gain a sense of achievement that motivates you and boosts your self-confidence.
- Meet your peers and socialise. Besides enhancing your health and rehabilitation, exercise will enable you to meet new people and have more social interactions. You may also meet others with spinal cord injury, giving you greater comfort and a feeling of being a part of a community.
