Content
Skip To Navigation Skip to Content
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregedivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregafgivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
 

NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

Font Size:

Taking Precautions


Before beginning any type of exercise program, it is advised that a physician be consulted. The nature of the disability may contradict the use of strength training as a therapy. For example, strength training may worsen some forms of muscular dystrophy, and it is therefore essential that a physician be consulted before beginning any exercise program. Common questions might include:
  • Are there any reasons weight training might be harmful with this specific disability?
  • If yes, are there any modified strength training activities that are safe?
For people with spinal cord injuries, the level of injury is an important consideration. Injuries at or above T-6 are associated with autonomic dysreflexia (a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure). If autonomic dysreflexia is suspected, stop the exercise session and consult a physician.

Previous levels of conditioning should also be considered. First-time weightlifters will undoubtedly suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness following the first few weight training sessions. Delayed onset muscle soreness is the general muscle pain felt usually the day following an initial bout of exercise. If you do arm curls today, tomorrow when you wake up, the muscles in the front of your arm will be sore. Delayed onset muscle soreness usually resolves in a few days in mild cases, but in more severe cases, pain can persist for up to a week. Severe delayed onset muscle soreness may limit mobility. Sufferers of delayed onset muscle soreness often find relief from rest and/or low-intensity activities that warm up the muscles. Delayed onset muscle soreness is usually present after the first one or two weight training sessions, and only returns after a long period of inactivity.

The ability of the body to dissipate heat should also be considered. Spinal cord injuries can limit the ability of the body to dissipate heat effectively. A weight training area with proper ventilation and air conditioning is essential. Also, drinking plenty of fluids will help.


blog comments powered by Disqus