The Role Of Exercise In NDIS Plans

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides people with disabilities in
Australia with essential support so they can live a fulfilling life and achieve their goals. There are several components in NDIS plans, one of the core components being the ability to access a variety of services. This includes physical and allied health supports. In particular, exercise plays a vital role in helping NDIS participants improve or maintain their overall quality of life.

Understanding the role of exercise in NDIS plans

Exercise can have many benefits other than improving physical fitness and for NDIS
participants, it can serve as a key tool for achieving goals.
As the NDIS includes a wide range of disabilities, each plan is person-cantered, meaning
each plan is tailored to the participants individual needs and goals. Therefore, there are a number of goals NDIS participants may have regarding exercise. These include:

Improve upper and/or lower body strength

Improve balance and mobility
Reduce pain and stiffness
Manage weight
Enhance mental health
Rehabilitation following surgery or injury
Develop or improve skills to allow for greater independence.

There are many benefits, including physical, psychological and social, that exercise has to offer, and NDIS participants can benefit immensely.

Improving physical health

It is well known that regular exercise strengthens muscles, bones, improves cardiovascular fitness and increases flexibility. For individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy, exercise can facilitate better movement and coordination. For example:

Strength training can help build muscle mass and strength, improving balance,
coordination and mobility issues.,
Aerobic exercise can improve cardiovascular health, helping improve or reduce
cardiovascular conditions and improve stamina.
Flexibility exercises can help enhance joint mobility and coordination.

Enhance mental health and well-being

Unfortunately, people living with disabilities often experience mental health issues including depression, anxiety and stress. However, regular exercise has been shown to release endorphins, chemicals in the body that help improve mood, and boost overall well-being.

Increase independence

Improving strength, balance and coordination can help NDIS participants be able to
complete daily tasks such as getting out of bed, hanging out washing, or cooking, moreindependently. Having greater independence can also help increase self-confidence, helping participants partake in activities they avoid or have previously struggled with. Being able to complete tasks such as these gives participants a greater sense of purpose and can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
For NDIS participants who use mobility aids, better use and integration of these can be
supported through specific exercises.

Social interaction and support

Most exercise sessions in NDIS plans are supervised. While this helps ensure the sessions are safe and effective, it also allows for social interaction and support. Group exercise sessions and community programs are also often available, allowing NDIS participants to socialise with others, facilitating relationship building and can help create a sense of community. Building good, supportive relationships is important for mental health and well-being.

Pain management and rehabilitation

For participants recovering from an injury or surgery, or for those dealing with chronic pain, exercise can be a key component for rehabilitation and pain management. Exercises can be tailored to help reduce and manage pain and inflammation, while improving physical
function and mobility.

Conclusion

There are numerous benefits NDIS participants can receive from regular exercise. By
incorporating exercise into their NDIS plans, participants can increase their strength and
mobility, reduce pain, manage chronic conditions, and improve their mental health. If you’re a NDIS participant and are interested in participating in exercise, talk to your planner about how it can be included in your plan.

If you would like to know more about how exercise can benefit you, contact one of our
Exercise Physiologists at Urban Health HQ. You can contact us by calling 0411563391,
emailing admin@urbanhealthhq.com.au or via our website at https://urbanhealthhq.com.au/