{"id":583,"date":"2019-06-06T17:57:06","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T17:57:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seniorhomecarehq.com\/?p=583"},"modified":"2020-03-29T20:59:20","modified_gmt":"2020-03-29T20:59:20","slug":"what-you-should-know-about-muscle-atrophy-muscle-loss-in-the-elderly-from-regular-wheelchair-use-learn-about-prevention-and-exercise-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/?p=583","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About Muscle Atrophy ( Muscle Loss ) In The Elderly From Regular Wheelchair Use. Learn About Prevention and Exercise Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this article, we will be discussing only one complication in detail as well as ways to reverse or prevent it: muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy<\/a><\/strong> is a process in which muscle tissue is literally breaking down or wasting away.<\/p>\n

This usually results when muscles aren’t used for a long time, which is observed in individuals who are bedridden, paralyzed in one form or another, or sedentary as a lifestyle choice. Persons who regularly use a wheelchair without moving (on their own or with assist) are also at risk for developing muscle atrophy. We talked a lot about this in a previous article called ” What happens to elderly seniors that are sitting in wheelchair all day with no physical activity”<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

Luckily, many cases of muscle atrophy can be reversed or prevented with proactive measures which all revolve around one commonality: movement. Stretching and exercising contribute to muscle lengthening and contraction while moving blood and oxygen to the tissue.<\/p>\n

The following information is a list of movement regimens that wheelchair users can incorporate into their daily routine. Note, each exercise will look slightly different for each user depending on how much voluntary movement each person has:<\/p>\n

Daily Movement Regimens For Wheelchair Users:<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Neck Stretching And Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretching:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Place your hand gently on the top of your head in order to pull and stretch the neck in all directions: chin to chest, chin to sky, right ear to right shoulder, and right ear to right shoulder.<\/p>\n

You can also roll your neck from side to side, but avoid rolling it around the back for this sometimes causes spinal problems. Hold each stretch from 10 to 30 seconds each. You can also have this done by someone else if you cannot voluntarily move your neck.<\/p>\n

Strengthening:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Place your hand on your head in order to push into your hand in multiple directions. Hand placement should be one on the left side, one on the right, one on the forehead, and one on the back of the head. Push gently into your hand to contract neck muscles up to 10-20 seconds each.<\/p>\n

\"Neck<\/a><\/p>\n


\nShoulder Girdle & Rotator Cuff Stretching And Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretching:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note all of the directions that the shoulder girdle can move in: flexion, extension, abduction (away from the body), adduction (towards the body), shoulder blade upward\/downward rotation, and bringing hands together in front together (horizontal adduction\/abduction).<\/p>\n

Below is a stretching chart that can be used for the shoulder and neck.<\/p>\n

\"Shoulder<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Strengthening:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dumbbells and theraband exercises are a great way to go if you have full use of both shoulders.<\/p>\n

Click the link below to view some good shoulder exercises you can perform while sitting in the chair.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/ahc.aurorahealthcare.org\/fywb\/baycare\/x36050bc.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Latissimus And Serratus Stretching and Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretching: <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Latissmus dorsi muscles outline the mid to lower back while the serratus muscles outline the outsides of the ribcage. These can easily be stretched by rotating from side to side in the chair and pulling on the arm-rests for more resistance.<\/p>\n

Additionally, bringing one arm up over the head and leaning over the armrest on each side to provide a great stretch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Smart Chair Yoga For Wheelchair Users: Stretching Serratus and Latissimus Dorsi Muscles<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Strengthening:<\/strong><\/p>\n

With those stretches previously discussed, slowly bringing yourself back up from over the arm-rests into a neutral position provides a great latissimus and serratus muscle workout.<\/p>\n

Also, reaching backwards for items from side to side (i.e. reaching back for weighted items on a table slightly behind the chair) provides a similar workout.<\/p>\n

** Note<\/strong>: ** if you have unsteady core muscles or sitting balance, make sure you have someone around to spot you so that you don\u2019t tip out of your chair.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abdominal Muscle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0Stretching: <\/strong><\/p>\n

The stomach muscles can be stretched by scooting your buttocks forward in your seat, bringing the arms together over your head, and arching the back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

WikiHow: How to Stretch Your Back While Sitting<\/p><\/div>\n

Strengthening: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Ab crunches can be performed in sitting by elevating one or both knees up towards the chest. For this exercise the slower the better for good results. Exercises can also be performed laying down in bed or on the floor performing the exact same motion.<\/p>\n

\"abdominal<\/a>

Wiki How: How to Exercise Your Abs While Sitting<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back Extensor Stretches And Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretching:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Back extensors can be lengthened by folding yourself in half as far as you can go, or in other words bringing your nose to your knees. Round out your back as much as you are able to feel the stretch.<\/p>\n

\"Back<\/a>

Body Balance Physical Therapy: What exercises should I do for my Low Back Pain?<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Strengthening:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oftentimes, back extensors are strengthened by using other exercises meant for other muscle groups. Visit this site for some back extensor strengthening exercises that can be completed in sitting while strengthening other muscles of the body: https:\/\/eldergym.com\/back-strengthening-exercise\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hip Flexor Stretches and Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stretching:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hip flexors draw your upper legs upwards in preparation for sitting, walking, etc. In order to stretch these muscles, you either need to stand frequently if you are able or lay down on the bed. For a better stretch, lay flat on the bed while letting your feet and lower legs up to mid hamstrings hang off of the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n