Many children and adults are affected by spinal cord insults that result in wheelchair dependence for mobility. Never having the ability to ambulate independently or losing the ability to ambulate independently can result in various physiological and psychological impairments. Haisma et al, describes this loss of physical ability as a vicious cycle: “decreased physical capacity leading to decreased activity and participation, which further reduces physical capacity, and so on”.
This decrease in physical capacity leads to secondary impairment to physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. In addition, the decrease in activity and participation can impact an individual’s psychological well-being, such as an increase in depression and decrease in quality of life. Could the “vicious cycle” be stopped by an increase in physical activity and participation?The research seems to indicate that the cycle can be slowed if not stopped. Participating in wheelchair athletics can have a positive impact on the cardiovascular system including an higher ejection fraction (Karagoz et al), higher bone mineral density in the arms (Miyahara et al), and stable oxygen uptake (Campbell IG et al). Psychologically, participation in athletics improved life satisfaction as a whole, and that individuals with higher life satisfaction tended to have lower anxiety and depression (Tasiemski et al) .
There are many available sports for pediatric wheelchair users in the Charlotte area. I have listed a few of these teams below.
Rollin' Bobcats - Manual Basketball http://www.nba.com/bobcats/jr_rollinbobcats_finish_second.html
The Surge - Power Soccer http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=CHARLOTTEPOWERSURGE&s=soccer&t=c
Carolina Fury - Power Hockey http://ncpowerhockey.com/
Mecklenburg County Therapeutic Recreation - all abilities http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Program+Guide.htm
Carolina Cruisers - various sports and abilities
Carolina Crash - Manual Rugby carolinacrash.org
Check them out! Participation in wheelchair athletics is a great supplement to pediatric physical therapy.
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