Practising an adapted sport is a very healthy habit for someone with any kind of physical disability. However, those who have suffered a spinal cord injury find very positive benefits for their health in their daily lives. It is especially important to have a dynamic life style in which body trains at the same time as the person enjoys team activities.
Practising sport increases the person’s quality of life since physical and psychological conditions of the patient are improved. Some of the benefits of an adapted sport are the following.
Physical benefits
- It strengths the muscles eof the arms, shoulder girdle and trunk. It will help to better develop daily activities such as driving the wheelchair.
- Forced seating due to of a spinal cord injury may cause health issues. One of the most common issues is the increase of the lung residual volume which may limit the breathing capacity. Frequently performing a physical activity helps to increase the arch produced by breathing movements.
- The muscle top of the abdomen is one of the most important areas. If trained, it will not only increase orientation and balance capacity but also strengthen gravitational support.
- Acquiring sporty habits and those which boost physical activity will help in other aspects too. For example, risk of trophic disorders or spastic contractures will be considerably reduced.
Psychological benefits
- Mental peace: practising a sport is a positive stimulus at a psychological level. Patients feel more able to manage their emotions and to release tension.
- Stress is reduced and anxiety disappears.
- It is also a way to socialize since it involves team activities most of the time.
- Sport can also be a mental way out and motivational task.
