Question

you are an athlete with a physical disability who is interested in wheelchair racing. what concerns might you have about taking up the sport? what would you find information on wheelchair racing? what exercise regimen would you have to adhere to? what specialized equipment would you want to acquire?

my major is rehabilitation services. the class is assistive technology. the book is assistive technology for people with disabilities

Answer 1

#. Concerns about taking up the sport :-

1. Whether I would be able to perform it or not

2. Cardiorespiratory training for wheelchair athletes

Athlete using a wheelchair is limited to using the relatively small muscles of their arms and, in some cases, the muscles of the trunk. This places lower demands on the heart and lungs and makes cardiorespiratory training more difficult, can train arms and upper body

3. Muscle imbalance impacts wheelchair athletes

It can lead to muscle imbalance around the shoulder joint and postural problems due to the lack of attention to strengthening the opposing antagonist muscle groups

4. Medical concerns

thermoregulation- impairment of sensory nerves means that athletes are often unable to feel heat, cold, or pain, frostbite can come easier

autonomic dysreflexia- high blood pressure

#. Information on wheelchair racing :-

Wheelchair racing is the racing of wheelchairs in track and road races. Wheelchair racing is open to athletes with any qualifying type of disability, amputees, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and partially sighted.

#. Exercise regimen to be adhered to :-

- exercise for strengthening rotator cuff

- exercise for cardiovascular strengthening

- breathing exercises

- scapular and upper back strengthening exercise

- sternal and clavicular strengthening exercises

#. Equipments needed are :-

– Race chair

– Gloves

– Helmet