There is abundant evidence to show that regular physical activity can have a beneficial effect on both mental and physical health, particularly for individuals with disabilities. It is especially essential for them to stay physically fit.
Although exercise can be beneficial, it’s essential to take into account someone’s individual needs and limitations. This includes how they feel while exercising and whether certain movements cause them any pain or discomfort.
Benefits
Regular physical activity has many advantages for disability support services individuals, and has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Regular physical activity not only boosts self-esteem and confidence, but it can also promote overall well-being. It helps relieve stress, elevates your mood, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Despite its health benefits, less than half of adults with disabilities get enough leisure-time aerobic physical activity per day (30-60 minutes).
There are numerous ways to incorporate more physical activity into your life. Begin slowly and work up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
Safety
While a disability may make physical activity more challenging, it doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, it can be an excellent way to boost your health and overall well-being.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities two or more times a week. It’s also wise to consult your doctor about the best type and amount of exercise tailored specifically for you as well as how it will help reach your fitness objectives.
One of the best ways to get your disabled child excited about physical activity is by finding centres or services that organize activities they enjoy. Speak with a disability specialist about whether your chosen facility can accommodate any special modifications or supports necessary to make the activity safe and appropriate for your child.
Preparation
Regular physical activity is beneficial for everyone, but especially so for people with disabilities. Not only does it keep them healthy and feeling good, but it also enhances their quality of life as well as aids in the development of social skills.
Exercise requires time, courage, determination and imagination. Health care professionals, sports trainers, coaches or parents should invest in some preparation so that your efforts yield maximum benefit.
Preparing can take many forms, from selecting the most suitable activity to making sure it’s secure and accessible for those you are working with. It may also involve finding an efficient way of introducing it into their daily routine.
An effective example is creating a tailored exercise plan tailored for each person you work with. This ensures they get enough exercise each day, even if it’s just 20 minutes of activity per day or 40 minutes three times per week.
Motivation
Physical activity can be an invaluable component of a healthy lifestyle, especially for disabled individuals. Not only does it reduce stress and boost self-esteem, but it also has been known to lower the risk of depression and anxiety disorders (4).
Motivation is fundamental for encouraging physical activity, both for the general population and those with disabilities (5). It can come from external sources like doctors or trainers or come from within (based on three basic psychological needs: autonomy, relatedness and competence)(6). Motivation plays a significant role in motivating individuals to participate in physical activities.
This study explored the changes in autonomous and controlled motivation over one year among subjects with chronic disabilities receiving rehabilitation. It sought to determine whether improvements in both types of motivation were related to time, and if exercise efficacy predicted autonomous motivation.
