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Fitness and the disabled
Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Physical activity is crucial for disabled individuals to combat rising cardiovascular disease. Tailored exercise programs can improve fitness, reduce disease risk, and enhance functional independence for disabled patients.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Improved long-term survival in disabled patients has led to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.
- Low levels of physical activity are a significant contributing factor to cardiovascular disease in disabled individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale for enhancing physical fitness in disabled populations.
- To discuss exercise testing and training protocols for disabled individuals.
- To highlight the benefits of exercise in reducing cardiovascular disease risk and improving functional independence.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on exercise and disability.
- The review discusses the physiological responses of disabled individuals to exercise training.
- It covers principles of exercise testing and program design for this population.
Main Results:
- Disabled patients show similar improvements in fitness to able-bodied individuals when following appropriate training programs.
- Exercise programs, including aerobic and strengthening components, are effective in improving fitness levels.
- Key goals include reducing cardiovascular disease risk and enhancing functional independence.
Conclusions:
- Improving physical fitness through targeted exercise is essential for disabled individuals.
- Comprehensive exercise programs can mitigate cardiovascular disease risks.
- Enhanced fitness directly contributes to greater functional independence in the disabled population.