Competition Adds Zest, Health Benefits for Disabled

Several studies have shown beneficial effects of physical activity on cardio-respiratory health and psychological wellness in able-bodied persons. The overall benefits of exercise are now widely accepted. However, only recently have studies included the disabled. Brian Frasure wins a gold medal in the T-44 200m sprint. Photos courtesy of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc. Hicks, et al., 2003, found that independence and overall quality of life are improved through physical activity in people with spinal cord injury and it can also reduce the risk for coronary artery disease. People with disabilities and chronic illnesses tend to be less active due to their physical limitations (Surgeon General, 1999) and a multi-factorial set of barriers (Rimmer, et al., 2004) and many develop medical conditions resulting from lack of exercise. According to Durstine, et al., 2000, "This inactivity can lead to a decrease in cardio-respiratory fitness, osteoporosis, an increase in dependence on others, a decrease in social interactions, and secondary complications." Sports Opportunities Abound As the importance of physical activity is being documented, increased sporting opportunities for the disabled are developed by organizations such as the US Disabled Athletes Fund Inc. (USDAF), a direct legacy of the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia. Established by the Paralympic Organizing Committee in 1993, USDAF is committed to creating community-based, adaptive sports for children and adults with physical disabilities. Another organization, US Paralympics, was created in May 2001 to enhance programs and increase opportunities for the disabled to participate in Paralympic sports. This division of the US Olympic Committee is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and strives to promote excellence in the lives of the disabled by developing comprehensive programs for athletes. Today more than 4,000 athletes from 120 countries participate in the Summer Paralympics, while more than 1,100 athletes from 36 countries compete in the Winter Paralympic Games in 25 sanctioned sports. John Register competes in the T-42 class long jump in IPC championships in 2002. Photos courtesy of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc. In 2002 USDAF launched a national program, BlazeSports America, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), now operating in 34 communities and 16 states. The mission of BlazeSports America "is to maximize the potential of children and adults with physical disability through sport," by providing "annual educational seminars and weekend instructional clinics for community-based recreation professionals and coaches." Physical, Psychological Transformations Competitive sports, ranging from judo to sailing to volleyball, offer recreation and physical activity, as well as social and psychological benefits. "These people are healthier because of sports," says Wendy Gumbert, program development manager for BlazeSports America. "It keeps them out of the hospital." Gumbert has seen the physical and psychological transformation of many disabled people through the addition of sports into their lifestyles. 2002 Paralympic Photos courtesy of Otto Bock HealthCare. She recalls meeting one athlete in particular, Mark Zupan, star player for the US Paralympic Quad Rugby team, who was featured in the documentary Murderball . "When I first met Mark he had long straggly hair and was sitting slumped in a wheelchair that was totally wrong for him. He didn't have the correct equipment, and his wheelchair didn't make him feel 'cool.'" Gumbert explains how the proper wheelchair, orthotic and prosthetic equipment, and introduction of competitive sports can enhance confidence, restore zest for living, and be the "best means of rehabilitation that [the newly disabled] can have." In fact, Zupan is now able to say that because of his extensive involvement in sports, he doesn't regret the accident that left him paralyzed. "I'm able to be more competitive than I was before the injury and get to the Paralympics. Wheelchair sports made me feel normal again and gave me access to a competitive edge." Trisha Suhr, a physical therapist, tries to help her patients and their families see that there's more to life after an injury and encourages sports as part of a rehabilitation plan. "Sports give them an opportunity for social interaction, camaraderie, competition, as well as physical fitness," she says. "Rehabs tend to encourage the use of power chairs, though pushing a wheelchair is good for their cardiovascular health," she adds. Competitive sports have transformed many dispirited people into vibrant, enthusiastic athletes and have been recommended as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. For more information, go to www.blazesports.com or http://www.usparalympics.com . Sherry Metzger, MS, is a freelance writer with degrees in anatomy and neurobiology. She is based in Westminster, Colorado, and may be contacted at metzgerfive@hotmail. com References Durstine, J. Larry, et al. (2000). Physical Activity for the Chronically Ill and Disabled. Sports Medicine, 30.3: 207-219. Hicks, A.L., et al. (2003). Long-term exercise training in persons with spinal cord injury: effects on strength, arm ergometry performance and psychological well-being. Spinal Cord, 41, 34-43. Rimmer, JH, D Braddock, and KH Pitetti. (1996). Research on physical activity and disability: an emerging national priority. Med.Sci.Sports Exerc. 28, 8. pp. 1366-1372. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health (1999).

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