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Physical Activity 
and 
Spinal Cord Injury 
(SCI) 
Prresentted by Drr.. Brrad Hedrriick 
Moderator: Dr. Lex Frieden 
Sponsorred by::

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Benefits of Physical Activity 
. Impact upon health 
. Impact upon self-esteem 
. Impact upon lifestyle and community 
integration

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Common Activities 
. Individual Sports & Activities 
.Strength & Conditioning 
.Pushing 
.Swimming 
.Handcycling 
.Wheelchair Track & Road racing 
.Wheelchair Tennis 
.Skiing 
.Adaptive Golf

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Common Activities 
.Team Sports 
• Wheelchair Basketball 
• Wheelchair Softball 
• Quad Rugby

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Possible Secondary 
Injuries/Conditions to Avoid: 
. Hypotension 
. Autonomic Dysreflexia 
. Hypo/hyperthermia 
. Dehydration 
. Rotator cuff injury 
. Hand/limb injuries 
. Pressure sores

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Prevention of Secondary 
Injuries 
. Consult a physician 
. Set challenging but attainable goals 
. Moderation is the KEY – set challenging but 
attainable goals and use a stepwise 
approach to increasing intensity, duration and 
frequency of exercise 
. Keep an exercise/diet diary 
. Participate in different activities

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Prevention of Secondary 
Injuries, continued 
. Use equipment that is appropriately 
configured and sized 
. Warm-up – stretch – warm down 
. Be aware of excessive sweating or moisture 
. Be aware of symptoms of autonomic 
dysreflexia 
. Use an appropriate seat cushion 
. Use protective apparel such as gloves, or 
wrist/arm braces, etc. 
. Inspect your body regularly for injuries 
. Get sufficient rest/sleep

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Environmental and Social 
Barriers 
. Finding accessible facilities 
. Identifying knowledgeable 
assistants/trainers 
. Accessing adaptive equipment or assistive 
technology 
. Sparse programming at the community, 
collegiate and scholastic levels 
. Future programs, issues, etc.?