Wheelchair Athletes Training
Wheelchair athletes training has assumed new significance these days with increasing number of competitions specifically for the physically disadvantaged like Paralympic Games being organized. Gone are the days when people with disabilities were doomed to live a life bound to wheelchairs. Taking wheelchair to the tracks is the motto of the times now.
Traditional Strategies and Wheelchair Athletes
Traditional training strategies focus on high volume training with very short intervals for recovery. Doubts have been raised how far this training programme designed for normal athletes are helpful for wheelchair athletes. It has been pointed out that trainining programmes for wheelchair athletes should take into account the specific needs and condition of the athlete. Any wheelchair athletes training programme should note the following points:
- The physiological condition of the athlete
- The physical needs of the athlete
- Study of the muscle systems
- Coordination of muscles
- Aerobic and anaerobic energy systems
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- The specific demands of the sports category.
Training Strategies for Wheelchair Athletes
Moderate volume training with increased periods of recovery is ideal for wheelchair athletes. Specific programmes like postural and core training, resistance training and strength training have shown considerable good results.
Postural and Core Training
Posture refers to the position from which the musculoskeletal systems function most effectively. Wheel chair training athletes training must focus on developing the postural muscles and proper posture before anything else since many athletes have poor posture making it difficult to hold balance resulting in falls. A training programme for posture development should focus on the following:
- Focus on the proper range of movements possible
- Building balance
- Strengthening muscles
- Effecting the maximum possible range of movements.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is a specific category of strength training which is designed to increase body’s strength, power and muscular endurance through resistance exercises which include elastic, hydraulic or resistance of the body itself. Common devices designed to generate resistance include elastic resistance bands and exercise machines.
Advantages
- Improves blood circulation
- Aids in metabolism
- Corrects postural defects
- Improves the size and strength of skeletal muscles.
Strength Training
Strength training involves the application of resistance specifically that of weight to increase muscle mass and strength. The selection of the specific group of muscles for strength exercises are determined entirely by the extent of disability of the athlete and the specific needs of the sport.
Advantages
Advantages of strength training involve the following:
- Helps maintain bone mass
- Strengthens the inactive muscles of the athlete
- Act as a safeguard against risks of heart diseases
- Checks accumulation of cholesterol
- Helps focus muscle strength in specific directions.
Points to Ponder in Wheelchair Athletes Training
Since a wheelchair athlete is slow at adapting to any sudden changes in the body or environment, the trainer must keep a constant vigil on the athlete’s health condition. He should take the following precautionary measures while designing training programmes or while taking the athlete to competitions.
- Using protective devices like grouses, cushions and wraps
- Aappropriate protection against heat and cold
- Taking precautions against the effects of drugs
- Constant supply of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Checking of heart rate and blood sugar levels.
Reference: The Foundations of Athletic Trainig: Prevention, Assessment and Management. By Marcia K. Anderson, Susan J. Hall and Malissa Martin. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins,2005.
Source: bcwheelchairsports.com