The Benefits Of Sports

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Over recent years, there has been increased emphasis on the role of sport and physical activity in enhancing health and quality of life of individuals with disability and chronic illness (Goldberg, 1995). Individuals with disability can generally receive the same health benefits from exercise and sport training as their counterparts. These benefits include physical benefits, such as general fitness, cardiovascular conditioning, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, postural control, balance, adaptation to impairments, optimal musculoskeletal functioning (Goldberg, 1995; McCann, 1987). In addition to psychological benefits: improved motivation, self-confidence and self-esteem, personal adjustment, competitive spirit, reduced …show more content…

However, athletes with disabilities, however, present a variety of special needs and special health risks, “such as pressure sores, temperature regulation issues, blood pressure problems, autonomic dysreflexia, bowel and bladder problems, contractures that are associated with specific types of disability,e.g., spinal cord injury, diabetes, intellectual disability, sensory impairments” (Conatser, et.al, 2010) A thorough understanding of such conditions will ensure that the proper prevention programs and treatment protocols are provided to minimize health risks and optimize performance. A variety of resources are available for ATs to learn about specific disabilities. The Journal of Athletic Training, Athletic Therapy Today, and the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation routinely publish information about management of injuries and conditions that affect athletes with disabilities. Many local, state, and national professional conferences offer workshops and presentations on specific disabilities and medical management

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