Physical activity not only improves functioning, and independence, and helps with better adaptation to prosthetic limbs it is also an important part of a self-care regime.  It can also be effective against some of the comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that some individuals face.

The benefits of exercise for persons with amputation include:

• Helps maintain a healthy and stable weight; gaining or losing weight has a major impact on prosthetic fitting
• For non-vascular amputees exercise(s) is a preventative treatment to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • A healthy well-balanced diet is also important for the prevention of diabetes.
• Exercises for amputees with vascular disease are a preventative treatment against the ongoing process of Type 2 diabetes and vascular disease.
  • For amputees with vascular disease, exercise can reduce symptoms of PVD such as breathlessness, angina and intermittent claudication pain often felt during walking. By improving blood circulation through exercises, type 2 diabetes can be better controlled.
• Good nutrition and regular exercise have a positive effect on the skeletal system and help prevent osteoporosis.
• Exercising releases neurotransmitters and endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and elation.

So why wouldn’t we all exercise?  The War Amps of Canada has a flyer on how to keep fit for persons with amputation.  They also have resources on:

• Weight lifting for arm amputees
• Aerobic and gymnastic devices for arm amputees
• Walking and running

Walking is one of the best exercises there is if you’re capable of walking; you don’t need to buy a gym membership and it’s usually just right outside your door.  You might consider joining a local gym. There are also numerous online programs to support physical fitness and encourage exercise.  The British Charity Limbpower has some excellent (and free) videos and flyers on exercise programs specifically for persons with amputation.  These take into consideration persons who are in the wheelchair, using crutches, or mobilizing with no devices other than their prosthetic. You can find them here.

Another excellent and free source of videos is Hasfit.  They include exercise videos, particularly for older persons, persons with lower mobility, low impact as well as seated exercises. There are numerous exercise videos on the Internet including walking workouts, seated yoga etc.

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