Physical activity

Being physically active is important to maintain good health and wellbeing, this is even more so following an amputation.

The general benefits of being physically active are:

  • Maintain and improve cardiovascular health.
  • Control blood glucose levels to manage diabetes
  • Reduce risk of stroke
  • Reduce general aches and pains
  • Maintain mental health
  • Control weight and help obesity

There is a difference between being physically active and doing sports. Many sports and activities are suitable for amputees, both with and without a prosthesis and you do not need a special prosthetic to do many of these activities. Some activities have been adapted, but you can do many activities with family and friends.

What activities can I do?

In Cumbria, there are many activities you can do without the need of a specialist prosthetic or wheelchair. There are many paths and walks around the Lake District and local parks which are accessible and have seating and parking.

Boccia

A team game which tests muscle control and is similar to French Boules. All players are seated and throw a ball as close to a jack as possible, the winning team are these who have the ball closest to the Jack.

Wheelchair basketball and rugby

Players are in sports wheelchairs (provided at sessions) and use skill, co-ordination and muscle control

Amputee tennis

This includes tennis played in the traditional way, wearing a prosthesis. The game can also be played by those without a prosthesis from a sports chair (provided). Both can play alongside each other.

Amputee football

Played (mainly) without a prosthetic and using crutches.  Those with an upper limb amputation play in goal while lower limb amputees play in the outfield positions. In some cases, a prosthetic may be worn.

Cycling

For many amputees, you can ride a bike without any adaptations to the bike or prosthesis.  Places like Watchtree Nature Reserve have many adapted cycles and can help you gain bike confidence in a traffic free environment.

Swimming

You do not need a prosthetic to swim.  You may find that your balance is a little thrown in the water, but your core will quickly adapt to assist you. Many amputees wear their prosthesis onto poolside and then leave at the poolside while swimming. Some local pools have sloping steps, hoists or moveable pool floors to help you get in/out of the water.

If you are interested in trying a new sport please speak to the team in the Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre

Contact us

Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre,
Lower Ground Floor,
Cumberland Infirmary
Carlisle,
CA2 7HY

Call 01228 814783

Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302