Wheelchair and walker folks?

[MikeG6.5]

OK, I'm not in the category that requires either of these devices to get around.  (But could be, soon enough, if I don't do something different.  (Disabled Veteran with bad feet and a shot hip.) 

So how do people in wheelchairs or walking with a walker do any exercise with a Fitbit to track their exercise?  How does the app follow thier progress?

Obviously running is out for these folks.  And just as obvious, lengthy walks are a bit of a stretch but for the extremely motivated/fit of them.  So how does the app and device work for these folks to reduce their weight, raise their heartbeat and get them healier (within their physical limits) as they do their day-to-day?

Does Fitbit even see a need to provide support for these folks?  Would any of them buy a product geared to the running majority if they aren't a part of it?

Really curious to see the thoughts others have on this...  

[WendyB]

I was using a walker. Now Im just using a cane. But I walk really slow and not very far. I also use my Stationary bike.

I use the fitbit to see how far I can go and in what time. Im improving on a daliy basis.

To me its about movement and thats what counts.

I have seen many people on these boards who are permanetly disabled and they use it just for movement. I have a Leslie Sanson DVD where there is a guy in a wheelchair going through all the movements. He using his arms  the same way as the rest. He cant move his legs.  I admire him for moving and getting some type of exercise. Thats what it is all about. Movement. Doesnt matter how you get it in.

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MikeG6.5 wrote: So how does the app and device work for these folks to reduce their weight, raise their heartbeat and get them healier (within their physical limits) as they do their day-to-day? People who are limited can still lose weight. You dont need to execise to lose weight it can be done without it.

Does Fitbit even see a need to provide support for these folks?  Would any of them buy a product geared to the running majority if they aren't a part of it? I have seen many who have bought it and it helps them in different ways.

[CindyinOttawa]

Hi Mike,

I think you are talking about people who are using walking aids permanently, but I thought I'd throw in my experience.

I'm using a walker (2 wheel) as I recover from double partial knee surgery that I had 3 weeks ago (btw, I'm 57). I was pretty sedentary for a year or so before the surgery, with "exercise" coming via physiotherapy, yoga and walking. I'm keen to get back into my favourite activities once I recover, and over the coming years (hiking, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing). I can't wait.

My "recovery" time is 12 weeks, and during the next 4-6 I should progress from the walker to a cane and then to walking without an aid.

As far as Fitbit goes, following surgery I've been using it to track my sleep. Using my new Alta is a problem in that regard as it's not too accurate re: sleep, so I might go back to my Flex, which was better.  I also keep a eye on my steps to make sure that I'm taking a few more steps each day, even if it's just around the house. I still have to be careful not to overdo it. The fitbit helps motivate me to walk a little bit more each day. My execises are stationary (rehab physio), so not much activity there, but aerobic activity isn't my focus right now. Today I added a goal re: drinking water.

Basicly, it's good for me to keep using my Fitbit to help motivate me to move a bit more and sleep a bit more as I recover. I think that habit will translate into increasing my goals (steps, activity, weight loss) when I have recovered. And my improved knees should remove alot of my activity limitations.

Bottom line is that the Fitbit still provides some motivation for me, while I am physically limited.

Cindy

[GershonSurge]

@MikeG6.5

Thank you for your service.

Some of us focus on calories burned instead of steps. This works well enough with heart rate monitors, although they tend to overestimate calories burned by 10-15%.