Regaining Lost Independence
After suffering a paralyzing injury, vets often feel lost, not knowing how to keep going. Normal, everyday activities like driving and sports seem like a thing of the past.
Paralyzed veterans do not need to feel immobilized or helpless. There are many therapeutic programs that use activity as a way to help veterans cope with traumatic injuries suffered in the line of duty. For example, the U.S. Paralympic Military Cycling Program offers the independence, hope, and camaraderie that vets may have a hard time finding after suffering a severe injury.
It?s a fulfilling program, which gives paralyzed veterans the opportunity to move fast and compete in races.? The bike design allows the veterans to lie on their backs and pedal with the hands?the handcycle.
How to Get Started
Paralyzed?Veterans of America partnered with Invacare/Top End to provide handcycling clinics. These clinics help veterans get off to a?great start in riding.
Handcycles are provided through the VA. However, paralyzed veterans must take some preliminary measures before applying.
Veterans must:
????????? Fill out a VA Form 10-2641 and a recreation/sports equipment supplement form.
????????? Be medically cleared by a physician to participate in such an activity.
????????? Be enrolled in the VA healthcare system
????????? Have been paralyzed for at least six months prior to applying.
????????? Skin wounds must be fully healed since the skin will come into contact with the cycle.
????????? Tell the VA their riding goals. Equipment given will be based on the veteran?s goals. Veterans riding in their spare time and for fun?personal use?will receive equipment suited for such use. However, veterans looking to compete in races will receive equipment geared towards racing.
????????? Have started participating in activities before applying. Programs such as the U.S. Paralympics provide many opportunities for novice veteran handcyclers to participate in activities.
Once a veteran has the equipment, he or she can start riding with other veterans on a regular basis. There is competitive and non-competitive road cycling, as well as off-road cycling available to vets who seek it out. Note that the VA may ask a vet to provide documentation that she/he has participated or plans to participate at an organized event or in a program. This makes sense, because the VA wants to make sure money is well spent and not wasted on someone who may get a handcycle and ride it once or twice. For some awesome pictures of actual events, click here.
Source: http://www.veteransunited.com/fitness/handcycling-a-great-workout-for-paralyzed-vets/
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