Physical Activities for People in Wheelchairs

Sports and activities are available to those in wheelchairs.parking minusvalidos2 image by Pablo Fern??ndez from Fotolia.com

Depending on your medical condition and prognosis, you may need to spend some or all of your day in a wheelchair. Your condition also determines how much movement or motor function you have. Some people in wheelchairs can't use their legs, but can use their arms and have upper torso function. Others may have limited use of their arms and shoulders. Your physical therapist may help you find some physical activities that will help you maintain your overall health, and improve your mental and emotional health.

Wheelchair Activities

Today, wheelchairs are designed to offer the greatest benefits to those with individualized needs. The growing popularity of wheelchair sports has offered adaptation and accessories to wheelchairs that fit almost every need depending on the functional capability of its user. Traditional wheelchairs can be adapted for racing, basketball playing, mountain climbing and playing on the beach. Some popular wheelchair activities include wheelchair fencing, skiing and tennis, according to apparelyzed.com.

Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports USA is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and sponsors a number of events for wheelchair-bound individuals, including the Junior World Championships. Sports in this event include table tennis, weightlifting, shooting and archery. This organization promotes a wide range of recreational and competitive activities and sports for those in wheelchairs.

If you're in a wheelchair, you can enjoy the sports you've come to know and love. Adaptive sports such as handcycling, sled hockey and quad rugby are just a few sponsored by the Wheelchair Sports Federation. Individuals in wheelchairs have the opportunity to maintain physical health and wellness through baseball, football, tennis and basketball. Disabled golfers take advantage of specialized golf carts and equipment and engage in recreational and competitive golf around the country.

Wheelchair basketball and handcycling are increasingly popular, made possible by specially designed wheelchairs fitted with handcranks for pedaling with the hands. People in wheelchairs can also sail on boats, skydive and competitively dance. Today's medical technology and engineering designs make nearly every sport more accessible than ever before to those who are wheelchair-bound.

Children in wheelchairs can engage in wheelchair sporting competitions such as the Paralympics, the American Amputee Soccer Association and the America's Athletes With Disabilities Victory Games, just to name a few. Wheelchair activities and sports help to increase strength, endurance and flexibility, according to the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs. Wheelchair activities help prevent obesity and depression for all age groups.