Wheelchair races or endurance rides are still possible for some with quadriplegia.
A spinal chord injury doesn't need to get in the way of a healthy social life. Quadriplegics may be wheelchair bound, but there are still many recreational activities available to them. With the aid of modified equipment, and some assistance from a caregiver, quadriplegics can stay active all year long.
C-1 to C-4 Quadriplegia
Injuries above the C-4 level result in the least amount of body control, and control is isolated to the shoulders and up. This level of quadriplegia often requires a ventilator or electrical implant to assist the person with breathing, as well as a motorized chair. Outdoor recreation for a person with C-1 to C-4 quadriplegia can include nature walks along wheelchair accessible paths, bird watching, or enjoying a pontoon or yacht. Video games are also a popular activity because with an adaptive "sip/puff" mouthpiece, which is compatible with most home gaming systems, the player has all of the functionality of an eight-button controller.
C-5 Quadriplegia
C-5 are often characterized by shoulder and biceps control, but little to no control of the wrist or hand. With the use of modified equipment, such as a spring-loaded pool cue or a tiered card holder, those with C-5 level quadriplegia can enjoy just about any parlor game. Short walks along wheelchair accessible paths can be achieved in a manual chair. To build and maintain strength, exercises with free weights or a hand-cycle machine can be performed all year long.
C-6 Quadriplegia
C-6 injuries generally preserve wrist control, but not complete hand control. Outdoor nature walks at this level can be more independent, and nature recreation can even be expanded to include photography, paddling a canoe or kayak, and overnight camping trips. Among group activities, bowling is made possible with a bowling ball that can be thrown with the help of a retractable handle that eliminates the need of complete hand control. Lawn bowling, however, uses much lighter balls can be done without the help of modified equipment.
C-7 to C-8 Quadriplegia
Individuals with C-7 or C-8 injuries can have advanced control of their upper body, but may not have complete control of their hands and fingers. More aggressive recreational activities, such as rugby, track and field racing, or swimming are much more achievable at this level of quadriplegia. Long-distance cycling can be done either in a sportive wheelchair, or with a hand-cycled bike. Golfing, fishing and hunting all require adaptive equipment, but can all be done equally alongside disabled and non-disabled companions.
