Individuals with Disabilities and Physical Activity - Research Paper Example

Individuals with Disabilities and Physical Activity May 23, Morbidity is a common problem in the society. One of its challenges is limiting potentials of people who leaving disability and this transcends from the subjects’ physical aspects to emotional and economic aspects of life. Physical activities however offer a solution and this paper addresses the issue of individuals with disabilities and the role that physical activities play in their lives. The paper further discusses the role of the community in helping these individuals through creating an environment that promotes physical activities among disabled people. Sports are important activities for physically challenged individuals. Similarly, cardiovascular activities play an integral role in helping these individuals to remain healthy. The paper concludes that a shift from primary disability prevention to secondary disability prevention would better manage associated problems of disability. The discussion also notes need for care when people living with disability engage in physical activities because of possible associated risks. Keywords: cardiovascular activities, sports, primary disability prevention, secondary disability prevention Individuals with Disabilities and Physical Activity Individuals with physical disabilities may find it difficult to undertake physical activities. However, this should not undermine the vital role physical activities play in the people’s lives because people with disabilities can gain several health benefits by being physically active. This paper seeks to review scholarly articles on the impact of physical activities on individuals with disabilities, for theory development on role of physical activity on the people. The paper will also discuss the role of community in helping these individuals and emerging issues on approaches to physical activity among people with disabilities. Benefits of Physical Activity to Individuals with Disabilities Physical activities have many benefits to individuals with disabilities. Brownson, Housemann, & Brown (2000) proposes that by participating in physical activities enhances a sense of control in people with disabilities. Physical activities also provide the population segment with an opportunity to focus on their physical abilities rather than their disability. This is because when the people participate in sports, they are likely aim at “how they can maximize on their abilities such as speed in order to win” (Brownson et al., p. 122). In addition, physical activities stimulate energy in these individuals and therefore empower them to be independent in conducting activities. As they participate in these activities, their self-confidence increases. Schmid, Pratt, & Howze (2006) noted that physical activities could also improve mental health in these individuals by improving their sense of physical strength while providing them with an opportunity for social interaction. Studies have shown that depression rates are high among people with disabilities and by engaging in physical exercises, these people are able to fight depression. Despite the benefits that Schmid et al. (2006) noted, there are concerns over the risks that physical activities pose to people with disabilities. According to Troped, Saunders, Pate, Reininger, Ureda, &Thompson (2001), there is need to equip these individuals with the necessary skills for coping with these risks. Ordinary skills like “mouth closure, rolling over from front to back as well as recovering from falling in the pool” are important to the safety of physically disabled people (Troped et al., p. 45). Without first addressing these risks, physical activities for physically challenged people pose more health concerns than benefits. Adapting Activities for People with Disabilities Despite their immense benefits, most physical activities need to be modified to allow involvement of people with disabilities. Incorporating individuals with disabilities in a community’s physical activities should be seen as both a goal and a process. Most sports can be adapted to allow involvement of these people as observed by Troped et al (2001). These sports include rugby, tennis, and golf. For individuals with mobility issues, extra planning and organization may be necessary. Modifying the activities for these individuals is also a strategy for integrating them in the community. As the community engages in helping them participate in various activities, these individuals learn how to take instructions, make decisions, and perform as a team. In addition, Schmid et al. (2006) noted that these activities help eliminate stereotypes against people with disability. However, these are long-term effects. Role of the Community Community can play an integral role in promoting physical activities among individuals with disabilities. One of these ways as proposed by Brownson et al. (2000) is providing community-based programs that seek to cater for the needs of these individuals. This can be achieved by ensuring there are environments and facilities conducive for physically challenged individuals to take part in physical activities. Facilities such as trails for cycling can go a long way in ensuring that these individuals are physically active. Community should ensure that physically challenged individuals engage in all stages of setting up and implementing community physical activities plan. Offering education programs that inform people “on how to overcome challenges associated with physical disability can also impact positively on these individuals” (Brownson et al., 2000, p. 125). The community can equally encourage health care providers to talk to patients with physical challenges on the need to incorporate physical exercises in their day-to-day routines. Cardiovascular Activities Cardiovascular activities play a key role in ensuring that physically challenged individuals increase their energy levels. Examples of the activities that can help these individuals include swimming in a pool with a sloped entrance into the water. The slope helps these individuals to move in the pool without help. One may also consider swimming in a secluded swimming pool to avoid stigmatization from other members of the public as noted by Brownson et al. However, Troped et al (2001) oppose this idea by suggesting that these individuals should seek to boost their self-confidence by interacting with other people. Individuals with mobility issues can also be active at home by walking or wheeling. Watching while following aerobic videos can also help these individuals walk around the house to their favorite tunes. Cycling a stationary bike can further increase these individuals’ heart rate while also helping them have fun. Emerging Issues on Physical Activity among Individuals with Disability Until recently, health promotion for individuals with disability has been a neglected area in the field of public health as noted by Rimmer (2014). Too much emphasis has been put on the prevention of disability at the expense of promoting health practices for those with disability. There have been concerns that the great emphasis put on prevention of diseases and disability in the American health care system undermines efforts to create awareness on the importance of physical activity as both a preventive and curative measure to disability. Rimmer (2014) notes, “in order to shift from this approach of primary disability prevention, there is need for members of public to be imparted with knowledge on prevention of secondary conditions in people with disabilities” (p. 56). This approach is not only cost effective but also gives such people an opportunity to explore and concentrate on their abilities rather than their disabilities. The explored literature identifies benefits of physical activities on people with disabilities and suggests that engaging in physical activities can improve health and potentials of the people. Despite these benefits, the issue of health risks associated with physical activities need to be addressed to protect such individuals. Additionally, there is need for change in the national health care system’s approach to disability among individuals. References Brownson, R., Housemann, A. & Brown, D. (2000). Promoting physical activity in rural communities: walking trail access, use, and effects. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 8(3), 235–241. Rimmer, J. (2014). Health Promotional for People with Disabilities. Journal of American Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved From: http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/79/5/495.long. Schmid, L., Pratt, M. & Howze, E. (2006). Policy as intervention: environmental and policy approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Public Health 85(9), 1207–1211. Troped, J., Saunders, P., Pate, R., Reininger, B., Ureda, J. & Thompson, J. (2001). Associations between selfreported and objective physical environmental factors and use of a community rail-trail. Preventive Medicine 32(2), 191–200. Read More