Ex Rx Tips for Trainers Working With Amputees
By Green, Jennifer; NCHPAD News, Vol. 9, No. 5Publication Date: May 2010
Article offers advice to personal trainers in designing an exercise program for amputees. While the stated purpose of exercise for individuals with amputations due to vascular and circulatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes is to abate or preclude the pathogenesis of vascular disease, for those with amputations caused by conditions such as trauma, tumors, or congenital deformities, the purpose of exercise is similar to that of non-amputees and includes reducing the chance of developing secondary disabilities such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Appropriate exercise modalities for nonvascular unilateral lower extremity amputation could include a one-leg bicycle ergometer, combined arm-leg ergometer, and rowing. However, a bilateral above-knee amputee will elicit cardiovascular improvements but of a smaller magnitude, being limited to modalities such as an arm ergometer or swimming. Aerobic exercise is also discussed as is strength training with weights, the latter of which should be performed 2 to 3 days per week at a weight allowing for 8 repetitions. Also emphasized are the consideration of energy expenditure when creating an exercise prescription, avoidance of activities that create friction between the amputated limb and prosthetic, and attention to prevent overuse injuries to the limbs.
Published by: National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) (Website:http://www.ncpad.org )
Link to text: http://www.ncpad.org/yourwrites/fact_sheet.php?sheet=806
