What are the benefits of sport practice for a person suffering from a disability? PlayMoovin’ wanted to take stock of this topic in the context of the Paralympic games. Find out here about the advantages of sport practice to improve your physical condition and more.
What are the benefits of sport practice for a person suffering from a disability?
The French government recommends people suffering from a disability to practice a physical activity regularly. It is however important to take the nature of the disability into account as well as each and everyone’s capabilities. Let us now see what are the advantages related to the practice of a sport for disabled people.
The physical benefits of sport practice for people suffering from a disability
Sport offers a large variety of physical benefits to people suffering from a disability. Sport activity contributes to improve physical condition and it helps to better mitigate the effects of certain chronic diseases, whether it be:
- A motor disability;
- A mental disability.
Improving strength and stamina
Sport practice contributes to autonomy gain and to the improvement of quality of life. This statement is true for able-bodied but it also remains correct for people suffering from a disease or from a mental or physical disability.
It is important to know that the exercises must be adapted according to the person’s skill. In some cases, sport practice can be forbidden such as in the case of ulcerative colitis, which is a disease that makes sport practice impossible.
Improving mobility and flexibility
Moving can be difficult for someone suffering from a motor disability. However, going to the gym or practicing physical exercise helps retaining mobility.
Reduce the risk of chronic disease
Practicing a physical activity regularly reduces the risk of having a chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, etc.)
Someone suffering from a disability who practices a physical activity regularly develops a healthier way of living.
Benefits of sport practice for a person suffering from a disability: the emotional and mental impact
Generally, sport practice helps mitigating the symptoms of anxiety and depression including for people suffering from a disability.
Physical activity releases endorphins also called happy hormones. It allows for a general state of very appreciated well-being state.
But sport is also a challenging activity par excellence. When you find success in a physical activity while suffering from a disability, you will also boost your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Let us remind you that these are key elements for living a balanced and fulfilling life.
Sport practice and social inclusion for a person suffering from a disability
On top of the physical advantages that sport practice brings, it also improves social connexions. You are surely wondering how sport contributes to the inclusion of people suffering from disabilities.
It is quite simple. All the following ideas are good occasions to get rid of isolation: partake in sport events, join a club or a team, etc. These favour meetings and contribute to the establishment of a solid social network.
Practice of a physical activity for someone suffering from a disability
Sport and disabilities: how to feel the benefits of parasport practice
On paper, the government recommends 30 minutes of sport practice per day. Of course, you can use this time however you want, by doing 3 10-minute sessions for instance. Moreover, it is also recommended to practice activities to improve your balance, your muscle strength, and your dexterity twice a week.
On that note, it is also thus recommended to:
- Move in complete autonomy if possible;
- Use relaxation techniques to train your cardiorespiratory system;
- Etc.
There exists a variety of sports that can be practiced if you suffer from a disability so how to choose one?
Find a sport that corresponds to you
The minister of Youth Affairs and Sport created a Parasport Guide. Do not hesitate to read it as it makes a list of all the sport structures present in France.
That way, you can easily identify the club which is the closest to you and find a sport practice suited to your disability and to your ambitions.
If you want more information, you can also visit the following websites:
- The French parasport federation promotes sport practice adapted for all the people suffering from a sensory or a physical disability;
- The French adaptive sport federation manages the development of adaptive physical activity. Their activity is intended for people suffering from a psychological or mental disability.
It is important to know that you will want to talk to a specialist to gather recommendations before choosing a physical activity.
The equipment, a key element to guarantee sport accessibility
To commit to a sport practice, you must choose an equipment that meets the specific needs of your disability and of the sport you chose.
You want to practice athletics? Some protheses are made to optimise your security and performance.
You would like to practice a team sport in a leisurely way like wheelchair basketball or XIII wheelchair rugby? There is no need to buy a very expensive wheelchair for that.
PlayMoovin’ created a light plastic sport wheelchair for people with reduced mobility: the FreeMoovin’. It is adapted to the practice of many sports. It is as safe and reliable as the great champions’ professional wheelchairs.
As you will have realised, the list of the benefits brought by sport for people suffering from a disability is long! You want to learn how to play wheelchair sports alone or in a team? Then call us if you want to test it! The FreeMoovin’ adapts to every situation and we can offer you to rent it.
Sources
Mangerbouger- Les recommandations et conseils pour les personnes en situation de handicap
