Aerobic exercise is important for everyone to maintain
cardio-respiratory fitness and endurance.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
recommends performing 20 to 60 minutes of
continuous aerobic exercise or multiple sessions of
short duration (approximately 10 minutes) for three to
five sessions per week. For individuals just starting an
exercise program, a circuit training program is effective.
Aerobic exercise can be monitored using an individual's
maximal heart rate (MHR) or rating of perceived
exertion (RPE). MHR for individuals with SB may be
significantly lower than normal, while RPE should be
moderate to somewhat strong. (See NCPAD's General
Exercise Guidelines factsheet for more information.)
Types of cardiovascular training that benefit individuals
with spina bifida are upper-body calisthenics, using the
rowing machine, hand cycles and arm ergometers,
functional electrical stimulation-leg cycle ergometer
(FES-LCE), and adapted sports such as, basketball,
track, swimming.
