Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 109) HEALTH MANAGEMENT FITNESS AND EXERCISE If not now, when? It’s never too late to get a fitness program going. Exercise is good for mind and body, and almost anyone can do it, regardless of functional capabilities. Some people exercise to buff up. Others do it to get stronger, to build endurance and stamina, to help keep joints loose and flexible, to reduce stress, to get more restful sleep, or just because it makes them feel better. No doubt about it, exercise is good for you. It prevents secondary conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, pressure sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, urinary tract infections and respiratory disease. Research shows that people with multiple sclerosis who joined an aerobic exercise program had better cardiovascular fitness, better bladder and bowel function, less fatigue and depression, a more positive attitude and increased participation in social activities. In 2002, Christopher Reeve demonstrated to the world that he had recovered modest movement and sensation. Reeve’s recovery, coming five to seven years after his injury, defied medical expectations but had a dramatic effect on his daily life. He believed his improved function was the result of vigorous physical activity. He began exercising the year he was injured. Five years later, when he first noticed that he could voluntarily move an index finger, Reeve began an intense exercise program under the supervision of Dr. John McDonald, then at Washington University in St. Louis, who suggested that these activities may have awakened dormant nerve pathways, thus leading to recovery. Reeve included daily electrical stimulation to build mass in his arms, quadriceps, hamstrings and other muscle groups. He rode a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bicycle, did spontaneous breathing training and also participated in aquatherapy. In 1998 and 1999, Reeve underwent treadmill (also known as locomotor) training to encourage functional stepping. See page 102 for more on FES bicycle ergometry and treadmill training. Not everyone can or should expect to get function back by exercising. But here’s another great reason to get fit: Exercise helps us stay smart, and it keeps the brain healthy. The latest neuroscience research supports the idea that exercise enhances 109
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.