October 29, 2024 marks the annual celebration of World Stroke Day; a day to honor individuals who have experienced stroke(s) in their lifetimes and raise awareness about stroke prevention, stroke symptoms, and needs of survivors. This year, the World Stroke Day theme is “sport and exercise.” Inspired by all of the ways stroke survivors continue to physically adapt while remaining committed to a healthy lifestyle, without limits, we began to research the methods of adaptive exercise and adaptive sport. This article outlines some of our most interesting findings, along with pointers and current resources that you can begin accessing today.
For the homebody, the Internet—particularly YouTube— is a treasure trove for video tutorials, created by the PT and OT experts. Some of whom just so happen to be stroke survivors themselves! There are more options than we could ever capture in this one blog, but here are a few favorites to get you started.*
Pro Tip: Many of your favorite rehab centers and health institutions are on social media, sharing their own tips and tools on a weekly basis as well. The suggestions above hardly even scratch the surface.
Is it time to level up your game and commit to some gear of your own?
In a perfect world, all gyms would be accessible, but that is hardly the case. Many folks with limited mobility can still use traditional gym equipment with a few adaptive measures. For those individuals looking for a trainer or a supervisor, and better adaptability for safety reasons, there are completely adapted gyms with excellent adaptive equipment that most could not afford on their own dime.
Pro Tip: While we could not confirm that this is true for every location, since 2021 Planet Fitness has made a number of major commitments to accessibility for its patrons. Call your local Planet Fitness to verify whether they have any adaptive equipment available at their location, or if they plan to in the future.
There’s no better route to exercise than through sport. As the Paralympics recently reminded us, every sport can be adapted to accommodate the abilities of people who want to participate—and at every skill level. Depending on your location, there are likely adaptive and challenged athlete sporting leagues in fairly close proximity. We found the perfect resource to get started on this journey: The Adaptive Athletics Association (AAA).
The AAA is actually a community powered resource, which is incredible, but that explains why it is so robust. This website will assist you in determining a) what sport is the right fit for you in your region, b) which organizations support that sport/region, and c) how to connect with those athletic organizations that check all of your boxes.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Move United are both phenomenal organizations with hands-on resources for you to connect with your local athletic leagues. There are opportunities available through this organization across the United States; however, the more densely populated your region, the greater options you are likely to have nearby.
Pro Tip: If there isn’t a particular sport in your community and you are inspired to grow your own, The American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs has everything you would need to get started on that process of league creation.
It’s 2024, and while traveling with a disability sure isn’t perfect, there are multiple travel companies that specialize in accessible travel and and tourism adventures. Listed below are a number of companies that prioritize the details for you and are a treasure trove for planning your next outdoor (or indoor!) adventure.
All movement matters! If we could leave you with any one single reminder, it would be that all movement matters. Wherever you begin, we are cheering you on!
*Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.