elegí entrenar

Home › Movement & health › Adaptive training: leg amputation or wheelchair use

Adaptive training: leg amputation or wheelchair use

Upper-body and core strength is key for transfers, pushing a wheelchair, using crutches or walking with a prosthesis. Training it improves independence and prevents shoulder and back pain.

This routine can be done seated. Before starting, check with your doctor and, if you use a prosthesis, with your prosthetist or physiotherapist, who know your case.

Sample plan

Day 1

  • Water bottle curls · 3 sets × 12 reps
  • Dumbbell overhead press · 3 sets × 10 reps
  • Standing shoulder blade squeeze · 3 sets × 12 reps
  • Seated side bends for the core · 2 sets × 10 reps

Day 2

Key tips

  • Protect your shoulders: train both pushing and pulling muscles.
  • Check the skin of your residual limb daily if you use a prosthesis, especially after training.
  • Stay hydrated: effort in a wheelchair also makes you sweat and tires you.

Best option: a plan made for you

A physiotherapist can assess you and tailor the exercises to your diagnosis and stage. On Elegí Entrenar you can find licensed professionals.

Find a professional

This guide is general information and doesn't replace assessment or treatment by a doctor or physiotherapist. If you have a diagnosis, recent surgery or pain that's getting worse, always follow your healthcare team's advice.

Frequently asked questions

Which sports can I do?

Many: swimming, wheelchair basketball, adaptive rowing, hand cycling and more. Ask at adaptive sports clubs near you.

Does exercise help me walk better with a prosthesis?

Yes: hip, glute and core strength improves balance and gait. A physiotherapist can guide you.

Create my free personalized plan

Answer 11 questions and get your weekly routine, your calories and demos of every exercise.

Create my free plan

General information: not a substitute for advice from a health professional.