Sports for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

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Introduction

Individuals with a spinal cord injury can get involved in most sports following their injury, with modifcations to the sport and / or with adaptive equipment to allow participation in these sports if needed. Athletes with disabilities are able to compete in sports at elite levels. These levels can be only fractions behind athletes without disabilities.

Precautions

Upper Extremity Overuse Injuries

This can often be improved with appropriate regular exercise. If you already have significant pain or a known upper extremity overuse condition, you should begin your program under the guidance of a physiotherapist or health care professional.

Skin Breakdown

Pressure sores or abrasions can be caused by improper positioning during the exercise activity or by lack of cushioning. It’s important to do a complete skin check when you first start a new activity and make adjustments as needed.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

This problem arises when you have a sudden and very large increase in blood pressure which is often accompanied by severe headaches. Moreover, if an activity causes skin irritation or if your bowel and bladder are not empty, you could be at risk of experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. 

Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition that individuals with SCI commonly experience.  Spinal cord injuries are often associated unpredictable increases or decreases in blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20mmHg or more, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10mmHg or more in the presence or absence of symptoms (e.g., lightheadedness, dizziness, nauseas, fatigue, etc.) when the individual progresses from lying down to to an upright posture (e.g., sitting or standing). Individuals with tetraplegia are at an increased risk of experiencing orthostatic hypotension because of their higher lesion level and can experience a larger drop in blood pressure than individuals with paraplegia.

Thermal Dysregulation

In many cases, people with SCI experience thermal dysregulation, or trouble with regulating control of body temperature. This is caused by the loss of blood vessel control and sweating responses below the level of the injury. To avoid complications, it is suggested that exercise should be limited in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Moreover, attention should be placed on hydration, clothing, and signs and symptoms of heat stress or hypothermia.

Spasticity

For those who struggle with spasticity, some exercises might exacerbate this problem. This can be remedied by stretching spastic muscle groups before exercise. If the spasticity continually is worsened, avoid the problematic exercise.

Spinal Rods or Fusion

Those with spinal hardware or a spinal fusion should be cleared by their spinal surgeon before participating in exercise, especially if recently injured or after recent surgery.

Medications

Medications can change how your body responds to exercise. Most common medications taken by people with SCI (spasticity medications, bladder and bowel medications) are not usually associated with health issues in response to exercise. Those prescribed medication for high blood pressure or breathing problems should check with their healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

Fracture

One study has shown that people with SCI can lose 1/3-1/2 of their bone mineral density in their affected limbs, thus making them more susceptible to fractures. Those who experience severe muscle spasms and have osteoporosis should take precautions during exercise activity to prevent fractures from occurring.

Sport Oppounities

Paralympic Summer Sports	Wheelchair	Paraplegia	Tetraplegia
Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Boccia
Canoe
Cycling
Equestrian
Fencing
Football
Goalball
Judo
Powerlifting
Rowing
Rugby
Shooting
Swimming
Table Tennis
Taekwando
Tennis
Triathlon
Volleyball