Fitness and the disabled.
With improved long-term survival of the disabled patient the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing in this population. One important factor is the low level of physical activity of disabled individuals. Disabled patients respond similarly to their able-bodied counterparts to training programs of a frequency, intensity, and duration which permit improving their level of fitness. Training programs should include aerobic and strengthening exercises with goals of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and increasing the level of functional independence. This review will discuss the rationale for improving fitness levels in the disabled as well as exercise testing and training in this population.
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D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*