Aerobic Exercises for Immobile People
Aerobic exercise is important for everyone -- even if you have restricted mobility. You can still exercise with a mobility limitation, although you will have to make certain modifications and adaptations for your specific condition. Although you might face certain challenges, being creative and optimistic can help you overcome your physical limitations and help you reap the benefits of aerobic exercise.
Types of Exercises
People who are immobile are limited or unable to perform weight-bearing activities, according to the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention Education Program. But depending on your specific condition, you may still be able to perform different types of aerobic exercises to help increase your cardiovascular activity. If you can get to your local gym, you may wish to try using a rowing machine or working with an arm ergometer, a piece of equipment that is essentially an exercise bike for your arms. You can also take a water aerobics or aquafit class at your gym or local YMCA. Since water exercises are performed in a pool, you experience a feeling of buoyancy, which places no stress on your joints. The heated water also helps warm up your muscles and keeps you loose while you exercise. If you prefer to exercise at home, you might try include chair aerobics or even wheeling yourself around your house while listening to some upbeat music if you are limited to a wheelchair.
There are numerous benefits of aerobic exercise for people with mobility limitations. According to Juta's Manual of Nursing, physical movement for people with limited mobility helps pulmonary and cardiovascular efficiency and cardiovascular reserve, increases muscle tone, improves sleep quality and can help you carry out your regular activities of daily living with greater ease. Aerobic exercise can also help fight feelings of depression, ease feelings of anxiety and stress and improve self-esteem and your general outlook.
A number of studies have examined the benefits of different types of aerobic exercise on people who are immobile or have limited mobility. For example, one study, published in 2006 in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology," found that elderly women with mobility limitations who performed high-intensity deep-water interval training experienced improved cardiovascular and pulmonary functioning. Another study, published in the June 2012 issue of the "Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine," examined the aerobic effects of using a motor-driven rowing machine on individuals with paraplegia. The researchers found that the use of this machine helped improve cardiovascular function and resulted in reduced oxygen consumption in study participants.
Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. It's important to discuss the type of exercise you wish to perform with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure that it's safe and appropriate for your condition. Try to maintain realistic expectations and don't push your body beyond its current capabilities. Stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or clammy hands and seek medical attention if necessary.
- New York State Osteoporosis Prevention Education Program: Causes: Immobility
- Healthy Alberta: Active Living
- Juta's Manual of Nursing, Volume 1: A. Younge, C. F. van Niekerk and S. Mogotlane, Eds.
- Help Guide: Chair Exercises & Limited Mobility Fitness Tips
- European Journal of Applied Physiology: High Intensity Deep Water Training Can Improve Aerobic Power in Elderly Women
- Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine: Development of a Motor Driven Rowing Machine with Automatic Functional Electrical Stimulation Controller for Individuals with Paraplegia; a Preliminary Study
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