Staying physically active is crucial for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), just like for anyone else. Spending 12 to 16 hours a day in a wheelchair makes it even more important to move your body to prevent loss of mobility and physical complications. We strongly encourage you to get out of your wheelchair as much as possible to mobilize paralyzed limbs. These mobilizations can be done in bed or on the floor using mats.
Furthermore, we highly recommend verticalizing yourself daily for 30 to 60 minutes. If you are unable to do so independently, you can do it with the assistance of your physiotherapist or another person 2 to 3 times a week.
It's essential to preserve and maintain your shoulders, which are constantly engaged in your movements. You can engage in arm cycling to train your cardio and strengthen your trunk stability, thus alleviating the load on your shoulders.
For those lacking time and suitable equipment, we recommend consulting the links below, which offer exercises to be practiced at home and in your wheelchair.
By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can improve your overall physical well-being and enhance your quality of life despite living with a spinal cord injury.
Useful links