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Adaptive Sports for Paralysis

Matthew Bellman, PhD

July 12, 2024

Staying active and healthy despite paralysis is possible through adaptive sports.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) has a slogan that says, “Exercise is for EVERY body.” Exercise is one of the most effective means for maintaining and improving your health, yet it’s something that few people get enough of.

This is especially true for people with disabilities, whose ability to get enough exercise may be limited by social or physical barriers. As a result, many people with disabilities suffer from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, including obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

So what can we do about it?

One great answer is adaptive sports. Sports have long been one of the best ways to stay active and healthy, because they combine social interaction, competition, and exercise into a single activity. Each year, more people and organizations are getting involved in adaptive sports, making old sports accessible to people with disabilities and even inventing some new sports, like Murderball. The result is that more people with disabilities are getting out, staying active, and having fun.

A man in a wheelchair with a basketball in his lap.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular adaptive sports:

  • Archery
  • Wheelchair basketball
  • Skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Golf
  • Hand cycling
  • Sailing
  • Scuba
  • Sled hockey
  • Snowboarding
  • Wheelchair rugby (aka Murderball)
  • Tennis
  • Waterskiing
  • Wheelchair racing
  • Yoga

Several of these sports even have professional teams, like the US Paralympic Cycling Team.

How to Get Involved In Adaptive Sports

There are many organizations and events for adaptive sports – too many to list. Below you can find a few great resources for getting involved in adaptive sports.

As a final note, many rehabilitation centers have their own adaptive sports programs, like the Shepherd Center and Brooks Rehab. Now get out and play!

If you know someone who may be interested in adaptive sports for paralysis, share this article with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn

Stay Active Despite Paralysis with the MyoCycle

If you’re trying to stay active and healthy despite paralysis, or maybe you’re trying to build strength and endurance for an adaptive sport, the MyoCycle may be right for you. To learn more about how the MyoCycle fits into an active and healthy lifestyle, reach out to us today.