Millions of people across the country use wheeled mobility devices such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or scooters due to limited or complete loss of their ability to walk. While these devices help provide accessible mobility, they may also harm one’s health in the long term. Many wheelchair users face barriers when accessing preventive healthcare services and achieving physical fitness. Because of these reasons, they are more likely to develop the following:

• Shoulder overuse injuries:  Maneuvering the wheelchair can put pressure on the upper body’s chest, shoulder, and back muscles, making them more susceptible to injuries and strains. Strengthening these muscles can help avoid such injuries. Look for wheelchair-friendly gyms, or try muscle-strengthening exercises at home using resistance bands.
• Urinary tract disorders:  Accessibility to washroom facilities remains a struggle for wheelchair users, especially when out and about. This makes them more prone to developing urge or stress incontinence and other urinary tract disorders.
• Reduced bone density:  Those living with a severely limiting condition or disease, such that they are immobile for six months or longer, are at a higher risk of experiencing bone loss or reduced bone density. This may eventually lead to osteoporosis.
• Muscle atrophy:  Similarly, more extended periods of immobility have also been associated with reduced glycogen storage, which impacts the ability of the muscles to mobilize fatty acids. This could lead to muscle atrophy. People who use a wheelchair without moving (on their own or with assistance) are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
• Cardiovascular conditions:  Using a wheelchair can make it challenging to engage in regular aerobic exercises that speed up the heart rate. This increases the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. To combat this, try sitting exercises, wheelchair workouts or sports (such as basketball, netball, and badminton), or a rowing machine adapted for wheelchair use.
• Joint pain:  Those who are uncomfortably seated in their wheelchair or have bad posture are at a higher risk of experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Using an adjustable wheelchair with ergonomic settings can help alleviate this pain.

In the long term, using wheelchairs without adequate movement or exercise could also increase the risk of skin breakdown, pressure sores, spasms, and changes in blood pressure.