Despite being confined to a wheelchair, a person with arthritis can still enjoy the benefits of exercise.  In fact, exercise becomes even more important as a treatment modality.  The reason is that the sedentary existence of being in a wheelchair causes rapid deterioration of muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness.  These need to be regained as quickly as possible.

One thing to keep in mind is that the exercise regimen needs to be varied. No single workout delivers everything a body needs to be healthy and strong.

According to Martica Heaner, a noted physiologist, nutritionist, and fitness instructor, “an overall fitness program should include cardio training to strengthen the heart and lungs as well as muscle exercises to improve muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Coordination and balance also are good areas to target. An important goal for all people, but especially those with disabilities, is to develop functional strength—or an improved ability to perform normal tasks of daily living. A person who uses a wheelchair will benefit from doing exercises that strengthen the upper body so they can wheel themselves around without tiring out, shift themselves in their chair and get in and out of it easily."

Even though a person may have arthritis, there are specific types of exercise that will help improve the ability to carry out activities of daily living. Arthritis causes a multiplicity of problems.  For instance, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have significant arm, wrist, and hand dysfunction that would require a different set of exercises from someone who has osteoarthritis affecting the hips and knees only.

Also, people who have been confined to a wheelchair for extended periods of time may have rotator cuff or other shoulder abnormalities that may make arm exercises difficult.

As a result, it’s important that specific needs be addressed in an individualized fashion.

Also, the arthritis should be as well controlled as possible with medication.  Arthritis that is not optimally controlled can not only lead to more joint problems but also make what should be an enjoyable diversion into a torture session.  

Water exercises are an excellent option for those who are wheelchair bound.  Many facilities have wheelchair access.  The buoyancy of the water allows a person to engage in full range of motion exercise.  A flotation device also can be worn so that a person can paddle with their arms and legs. An alternative might be to use a kickboard or to hold onto the side of a pool. Some aqua-exercise classes are sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation at a local YMCA.

Arm ergometers are devices that function as simple bicycles for the hands. These are often found at physical therapy locations.  Larger health clubs often have one or two of these on the gym floor. Some arm ergs are designed so that a wheelchair can be wheeled into place so the person can grab the handles and start circling their arms.

If a suitable home environment is present, then doing exercises at home is an option. Several fitness DVDs and videos offer seated workouts. If the movement is continuous and vigorous enough, a good cardio effect can be achieved.

Just as many people go mall-walking, a person in a wheelchair can do the same… only in their wheelchair. Chart a training course and wheel around a shopping mall to increase your cardiovascular endurance. A school track can also be an option for nice weather days. It’s a good idea to protect your hands from the constant friction with gloves.

If manual dexterity is not a big problem, then light weight or resistance training is an option to explore. One can purchase resistance bands and/or weights and work out at home. A physical therapist and (if your funds allow) a personal trainer can show you exercises. Ms Heaner also says, “… check out a fitness DVD, video, CD or audiotape. Try the “Sit and Be Fit" series, which offers workouts targeted to different illnesses…"

If pain is an issue, then the rheumatologist needs to be consulted.  Sometimes they will recommend a dose of an analgesic prior to the exercise program for help through minor aches and pains. As a person gets stronger and more accustomed to exercise, pain and discomfort should lessen.

 If a lot of pain is experienced by the exercise program, then it may be too vigorous. It’s important not to push too hard, since this may be a sign that one is causing injury to the joints. Finally, a person can usually find different options available in the community. Physical therapy centers, health clubs, YMCAs and senior centers may offer groups classes targeted to wheelchair exercisers.