Are you a functional rehabilitation centre, a sport-health centre or a nursing home? If yes, then you know that sport practice is a key element of an active and healthy life. So which exercises can you suggest to your patients? We will show you here 6 examples of an adaptive physical activity.
The principles of an adaptive physical activity
Adaptive physical activity (APA) is a term that encompasses a selection of physical activities specifically made for people needing support. Sessions can also be prescribed by a doctor.
APA applies to patients affected by chronic diseases such as neurological and cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes or skeletal-muscular problems. Are also concerned:
- physically, mentally or sensory disabled people
- people that suffer from a functional limitation
- the elderly
- pregnant women
- etc.
The APA is thus a part of numerous treatments. Doing an adaptive physical activity allows to maintain or improve one’s physical condition thanks to exercises which are adapted to everyone’s capabilities. This type of session is generally taken under the responsibility of an adaptive physical activity teacher.
An example of adaptive physical activity: yoga
Adaptive yoga stimulates a certain inner harmony and it has numerous benefits. It improves mobility but it also reduces joint pain and invigorates all the muscles. In terms of mental activity, yoga helps to manage stress and to improve one’s focus as well as one’s self-confidence. Moreover, it leads to a better sleep quality and to a global sensation of serenity.
This moderately intensive activity offers an inclusive environment and is accessible to everyone:
- disabled people
- people suffering from chronic illnesses
- the elderly
- etc.
Like in traditional yoga, breathing is a key element of adaptive yoga. The postures remain the same but they are adjusted depending on what people participating can or cannot do. On this topic, some accessories can be used to simplify postures.
Adaptive team sports for regular physical activity
Team sports are accessible to disabled people but also to those with any kind of limitation.
Among the most well-known, we can find:
- para basketball
- wheelchair rugby
- wheelchair basketball
- wheelchair handball
- wheelchair rugby XIII
- goalball
- etc.
Team parasport promotes social interactions and thus counteracts social isolation. Everyone – able-bodied or not – is on an equal footing, no matter their particularity. This promotes cooperation between people.
Those team sports allow the improvement of one’s muscular strength, stamina, motricity, etc.
This type of activity requires a wheelchair and players move through manual thrust.
For this purpose, Playmoovin’ has created the ideal wheelchair: the Freemovin’
This light and attractive design was thought out to ease the practice of adaptive physical activities. It is made of rotary-moulded plastic which gives it a great sturdiness and makes it easy to maintain.
Moreover, this wheelchair offers a great freedom of movement. It ensures optimal comfort to all players and adapts to every user. User safety also remain an absolute priority for Playmoovin’. Consequently, our wheelchairs are approved by the CERAH (study and research centre for the equipment of disabled people).
Adaptive swimming: an inclusive practice
Water has a natural resistance which allows to smoothly build up muscles. Regarding APA sessions, movements remain less constrained. Adaptive swimming helps cardiovascular exercise but it is also beneficial on an emotional and mental scale. Adaptive swimming helps reduce stress and anxiety just like yoga and other adaptive physical activities.
Additionally, these sessions encourage discussions and social interactions because they are done in groups.
In short, adaptive swimming sessions not only allow to relax but to get used to an aquatic environment as well.
Floating and thrusting exercises are adapted according to each and everyone’s possibilities.
An APA example for autistic people
The French government proposes a guide promoting physical activity adapted to autistic people. It encompasses simple physical and cardiovascular exercises. These can be done at home and without the use of too much equipment. They include flexions, stretching exercises and other leg movements to strengthen one’s cardiorespiratory capabilities.
Exercise with adaptive sport: a tangible solution to promote well-being and health
The “Bouger avec le Sport Adapté” (exercise with adaptive sport) program which was initiated by the FFSA addresses physically or mentally disabled people. It encourages a regular adaptive sport and physical practice in order to:
- contribute to a better physical and mental health;
- reach autonomy.
A network of qualified professionals assists people benefiting from these practices all across France.
Stretching, relaxation, soft gymnastics, outside group activities, etc.: numerous exercises are proposed according to everyone’s capabilities.
Adaptive motor activities: a lever of development
Develop one’s sensory capabilities, stimulate motor and cognitive abilities, etc.: motor activities are at the centre of a therapeutic approach, especially for disabled people. They offer a variety of tools which help stimulate physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and social capabilities of disabled people.
A large amount of adaptive physical activities is offered. Each one of them has to stimulate motivation for people who benefit from it:
- the use of a motor course develops motricity.
- ball play helps improve coordination.
- activities that require a hammock or a swing help with balance.
- building activities help develop manual coordination.
- dancing or imitating help to initiate movement.
Each adaptive activity example offers invaluable benefits to everyone. Anyone can find their place and surpass themselves according to what they can do. You need a sport wheelchair to physically exercise in a nursing home, a rehabilitation centre or many other places? Playmoovin’ got you covered so contact us to learn more about it.
Sources
Gouvernement-référentiel d’exercices physiques et cardio adaptés au domicile
Gouvernement-activité physique adaptée : le relais des maisons sport santé
Sport adapté- Les formes de pratique
