Adaptive sports allow persons with disabilities to get out and participate

Participation in “sports” and recreation activities has been proven to benefit an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and social skills. For individuals with disabilities (physical, cognitive, and/or emotional), adaptive sports can bypass limitations and allow for participation in a sport of choice. Whether the goal is weight loss, decreasing stress, improving strength, avoiding boredom, meeting people, competing or just having fun, there are ways to adapt pretty much any sport to allow for participation by anybody! There are also sports that have been created specifically for persons with a disability. With the large variety of adaptive sports available there is now something for everyone whether they want to work alone, in a group, for recreation or to compete.

Adaptive sports for people with physical limitations began emerging after World War II when soldiers returning from war were involved in rehabilitation. These sports eventually moved from rehabilitation to recreation to competition. The current Paralympic Games can be traced back to these early hospital rehabilitation sports.  With the emphasis on “inclusion” which began in the 1980’s (focus on including athletes with disabilities in the able bodied sport system) more events and training opportunities have emerged. Full integration has not yet been realized, but we are seeing glimmers of it. Take for example, the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Education to mandate that schools must give students with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in extracurricular athletics, including varsity sports. And if existing sports don't meet the needs of those students, schools must create additional athletic programs.

Another great example, was seeing runner Oscar Pistorius compete in the 2012 summer Olympics. He made history as the first amputee to compete in track at the Olympic Games. Ironically, some athletes complained that his specially designed prosthetics gave him an unfair advantage, but most were awed by his strength and agility and realized he was an incredible elite athlete. This was the true definition of inclusion at work!

Some examples of adaptive sports include using a sit-ski to water or downhill ski, using a ramp or handle ball to bowl, using a sled to play hockey or using a specially designed court chair to play wheelchair basketball or tennis. There are various throwing chairs, gloves, graspers and holders that can be used to assist with throwing discus, shot put or javelins. For weight lifting and use of exercise machines there are also gloves and graspers and hand propelled bikes are now being included at gyms for cycling classes. Each sport also has specific rules and regulations.    

Recreational therapists (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists or CTRS) are experts at assisting people with introducing, learning about and becoming involved in adaptive sports. These therapists  are specially trained in working with a wide variety of people with disabilities and in assisting anyone with trying new or re-learning recreational pursuits and in adapting the activity to allow for participation.  The expense of the adaptive sports equipment  continues to be a challenge for most,  but recreational therapists involved in adaptive sports are also experts at assisting with finding ways for everyone to participate in their sport of choice!

    

By: Sue Boeve, Sr. CTRS, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Top 5 Exercise Excuses and How You Can Avoid Them

We've all heard of the benefits that come from exercising regularly. People who are physically active are healthier, feel happier and have more energy. But when it comes to getting out there and exercising, many of us have a long list of excuses for why we shouldn't. How can you conquer your excuses and get moving? Here are five of the most common excuses and ways to beat them.

1. I'm too busy. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week. This may seem like a lot, but it's not much more than 20 minutes a day. Start looking at your schedule to see where you can fit this initial 20 minutes. Maybe you can jog in place while watching TV. Better yet, try turning off the TV and using that time for exercising.
2. I'm too tired. Physical activity is often associated with exhaustion. However, being physically active actually releases endorphins into your body, leaving you feeling energized. Instead of focusing on how tired you feel before you exercise, focus instead on the energized feeling you will get after your workout.
3. It's too hot/cold. Have a backup plan ready for those days when the weather isn't cooperating. This might mean that you need to broaden your exercise regimen to incorporate activities that can be moved indoors, like Pilates or yoga. Many times fitness programs like these even have DVDs and videos that you can watch and follow along at home.
4. I hate going to the gym. You don't have to go to a gym to get exercise. Find an activity you love and incorporate it into your exercise regimen. For example, if you love music, why not join a dance or cycle class set to music? Or if you enjoy reading, why not get some audio books and listen while you take a walk?
5. I can never follow through. Changing habits is always difficult. The key to making your lifestyle more active is to set small attainable goals for yourself. Don't try to run for an hour on your first go, build up to it. By breaking up your exercise goals into small manageable pieces you will make exercising easier on yourself and more manageable in the long run.

Exercising doesn't have to be something you dread, it can be fun! Try teaming up with an exercise buddy so you can keep each other on track and motivated. It's harder to make excuses when someone is counting on you to be there for a walk, bike ride or trip to the gym. Check out the schedule of FREE fitness and wellness classes offered at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. To download our winter classes click here.