I’m in a wheelchair and I want to exercise – Patient information leaflet

There are currently around 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK. Two thirds of them are regular users.

• Reduce risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes.
• Better health, mood and energy.
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Improve sleep.
• To improve self esteem and confidence.
• More social opportunities.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

• Help nerve impulses travel faster to the brain.
• Increase focus and ability to stay on task.
• Increase blood flow to the brain.
• Improve balance, strength, suppleness and mobility.
• Increase body awareness.

For adults aged (19-64), it is recommended to complete at least 150 minutes a week of aerobic activity, plus
strength exercises on 2 or more days a week. If exercising at moderate intensity you should be able to talk but will be unable to sing a song’

Alternatively, if carrying out vigorous exercise, the amount recommended is halved to around 75mins (or 1.25 hours) per week. If exercising at a vigorous intensity, you won’t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for breath.

Remember- You may have to start off with shorter periods of exercise and gradually build this up over a period of weeks and months

Activity
Playing cards – 30 calories burned in 15 minutes
Playing board games – 30 calories burned in 15 minutes
Ironing – 34 calories burned in 15 minutes
Playing with children, sitting down – 42 calories burned in 15 minutes
Driving – 40 calories burned in 15 minutes
Playing a guitar – 60 calories burned in 15 minutes
Wheelchair basketball – 111 calories burned in 15 minutes

Note – The amount of calories burned will vary depending on your weight, gender and intensity of exercise.

Carrying out physical activities will come with precautions. These are some of the things that you should be aware of prior to, during and following your exercise.

• Pain – No exercise should cause you discomfort. If this occurs, stop the exercise and seek advice.
• Fatigue – Some neurological conditions may cause you to suffer from fatigue. Consider this factor following your exercise. Pacing and structuring your exercise programme can help reduce fatigue, ask your physiotherapist for strategies.
• Medications – It is always best to check with your GP prior to exercising if you are taking any medications.
• Medical history – Exercise will alter your heart rate, blood pressure and other body systems. If you suffer from other medical conditions, it is advised that you check with your GP first.
• Dehydration – Exercise will make you thirsty, so it is essential that you take on enough fluids, as dehydration can make you feel unwell.

You could try contacting one, or a few, of the following:
• Local leisure centres to enquire about suitable facilities, classes and support.
• GP for information on improving your fitness.
• Search the internet for activities in your local area.
• Speak to different support agencies for more information e.g. Headway, Stroke Association, MS Society etc
• Speak to your physiotherapist.
• Incorporate more activity into your daily routine.
• Speak to your family and get them involved too.
• Speak to your social worker with regards to support accessing exercise in the community.
• Wheelchair accessible venues such as beach and parks that offer wheelchairs and other services.

For more information on the benefits of exercise, please refer to ‘Physical Activity and Mental Health Factsheet’ found in the Knowledge Centre at Walkergate Park.

• www.dh.gov.uk
• www.gov.uk
• www.bhf.org.uk
• www.nhs.uk
• www.csp.org.uk
• www.thecalculator.co.uk

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website
• telephone the Complaints Department on 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected]. Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
• complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
• other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]

Post: FREEPOST PALS
South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: [email protected]

Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday

An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre by telephone on 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/657/1024 October 2024 V5

Website www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone 0191 246 7288

Review date 2027