Physical activity can benefit paralysis…truly! With a combination of electrical stimulation, breathing exercises and aquatherapy, Christopher Reeve was able to regain a degree of motion.
The doctor who treated him, Dr. John McDonald, believes that the increased control Reeve gained over his limbs was due to dormant nerves being awakened with exercise. Said McDonald, “Although we cannon conclude that the activity-based recovery program produced the functional benefits, we believe it was responsible for the physical benefits.”
The fact is, exercise benefits so much more than just your physical health – it is great for your mental wellbeing. While you may not enjoy exercise, either now or before you sustained the paralyzing injury, the multitude of positive results are worth the effort. Exercise increases your cardiovascular health, your bone density and muscle tone.
Our fact for this week is that exercise does a body good… pass it on!