Intellectual Disability & The Benefits of Online Exercise Services

Jul 8, 2020 | Client Stories, News Articles

Benefits of Exercising Daily and Receiving NDIS Exercise Physiology Services Online

What are the Benefits of Exercising Daily and Receiving NDIS Exercise Physiology Services Online?

Jacob is a 25-year man diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Schizophrenia and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.  Down Syndrome is a condition where a child is born with an additional copy of chromosome 21, meaning they have an extra chromosome in each cell. This causes some level of intellectual disability, small facial features (head, ears and mouth), weak muscle tone (hypotonia) and increased risk of developing other health conditions (Down Syndrome, 2019). Jacob also has aqueduct syndrome, resulting in profound hearing impairments.

However, this does not stop Jacob from pursuing his goals, being active and eating right to look after his health and to improve his quality of life!

“Jacob’s goal: to continue to be healthy, both mentally and physically.”

Over a two-month period, Jacob received an exercise program and face to face exercise physiology support to learn how to follow his exercise program safely. He received two exercise programs; one for when he and his housemates go to the gym every Friday AND an exercise program that he can complete at his home on other days of the week. Jacob now diligently completes his home exercise program with his support workers every morning. It is really helpful to Jacob that he has received pictures from his exercise physiologist of himself completing each exercise, motivating and reminding him to do them daily.
NDIS Exercise Physiology Services Online
During COVID-19, with gyms closing down, Jacob continued to complete his home exercises daily AND continued to receive exercise physiology support from his NDIS exercise physiologist, Bianca, via zoom. He also continued to work with his NDIS dietitian, Amanda, via zoom so that he could continue to progress towards his NDIS goals.

During COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ it was even more important to Jacob’s health that he continue receiving both NDIS exercise physiology and dietetic services because he was at even greater risk of developing chronic health conditions due to increased sedentary behaviour. Jacob was also at increased risk of developing low mood due to the limited interaction he is was able to have with his family and friends due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Jacob is following the movement of his exercise physiologist via an online exercise session.
Jacob is following the movement of his exercise physiologist via an online exercise session.
Bianca is communicating to Jacob through his computer screen through visuals in order for him to count the number of repetitions of each exercise.
Bianca is communicating to Jacob through his computer screen through visuals in order for him to count the number of repetitions of each exercise.
At the beginning of 2020, Jacob’s weight was at 106kg and since then, due to portion control, healthier eating habits and increased levels of physical activity, his weight has dropped by a fabulous 5 kilograms! Jacob, his family and formal supports are all extremely happy with his progress towards his NDIS goal and they are determined to support Jacob to achieve his NDIS goal.

Now as restrictions have lifted, Jacob is again seeing his NDIS exercise physiologist Bianca face to face; learning new exercises to add to his home program and working successfully towards his goal!

NDIS Exercise Physiology Services Online
Jacob is again seeing his NDIS exercise physiologist Bianca face to face

Written by Bianca Chan

Bianca is an NDIS Exercise Physiologist

Bianca provides exercise physiology services in the Hills District of Sydney. She sees clients in Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Kellyville, Dural & Rouse Hill as well as Beecroft, Carlingford, Parramatta and Ryde.

Reference:

Down Syndrome Australia. (2019). What is down syndrome?