Spinal Health Week - Carlo Alimboyong

Carlo Alimboyong, is a 2013 Griffith graduate and now Operations Manager and Exercise Physiologist working in disability sport. As a member of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Carlo advocates for physical activity and exercise to people of all abilities. He is passionate about creating a community, particularly for those that are disadvantaged and aren’t aware of the benefits of exercise. The results and impact that he and his team has created is continually growing and he is eager to revolutionise the way we look at health.

Carlo works predominantly with a vast array of disabilities, including; Neurological Disorders such Multiple Sclerosis & Cerebral Palsy, Physical Disabilities such Amputees, Meningococcal, Developmental Disorders and much more. The particular interest that Carlo facilitates when working with people living with a disability is simply working together to achieve their goals. Some of these goals have included becoming better at home-gardening, to wheelchair basketball, to goals of participating in the Paralympics.

We asked Carlo about sport and spinal health for people with disability and what the benefits are. Read what he had to say below.

A colour photo inside a basketball stadium of two wheelchair basketballs, one is a middle aged lady dressed in black with short dark hair and a younger gentleman, of Indigenous heritage, wearing a backward cap on his head. Both players give the thumbs up symbol and smile for the camera.


Why sport for people with disability?

My name is Carlo Alimboyong, and I am an Exercise Physiologist and Operations Manager at Atkins Health. I am passionate about community participation at all levels in our society. Disability sport is something I have been involved with over the last 5 years. Generally speaking, the involvement and awareness of disability sport is quite low. However the positive outcomes that I see from people with disability (PwD) participating in community sport is of high regard! These benefits are seen in both social and physical outcomes. I am an optimist that endeavours to navigate barriers so that I can influence as many PwD to achieve their goals and a better quality of life through sport. For spinal health specifically, positive benefits can result from training for sport.

Social and Physical benefits

The social benefits from community sport range from enhancing mood, reduced incidences of depression and social embeddedness. Experiencing this firsthand, I can say that the uplifting comradery and support that each individual offers is second to none. Being a part of disability sport is truly inspiring.

One would assume that a PwD participating in sport has exceptional physical abilities… this is not necessarily the case! We strive to encourage people of all abilities to participate, but also allow them to understand that training is an important habit to develop to compliment participation. Training is where the real benefits are achieved from. In regards to spinal health, specific resistance training has been shown to improve bone mineral density which is important for preventing any fractures. Resistance training will also improve muscle size & strength, which has shown to positively impact posture, reduce pain and enhance mobility.

Why is participation low?

Individuals face many barriers in being physically active. This can include lack of transport, impairment type, lack of trained volunteers and appropriate programmes and lack of information received from therapists following discharge. Yet it is evident that PwD are eager to participate and improve their health and physical function. However, participation at great levels will only occur if practitioners reduce the barriers to access, provide relevant training to staff and volunteers, educate their patients about the importance of physical activity post discharge, and create tailored programmes in safe and accessible community facilities.

What can we do as a society?

At a community level, there are many supports you could access. This includes your council, local sports teams (it isn’t uncommon for a local club to have a disability team), local area coordinators/support coordinators and allied health professionals.

At a macro level, be sure to keep up with organisations such as Sporting Wheelies and Wheelchair Sports Australia (WSR) on news and events. In the upcoming years leading up to 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic games, there will be great emphasis on participation in sport and recreation.

What can Atkins Health do?

Atkins Health is a proud supporter of training PwD for their spinal health as well as disability sport. Some sports that we have been involved for training include:

  • Wheelchair basketball
  • Disabled surfing
  • Disability sailing
  • Para-powerlifting
  • Fun-Runs
  • General Fitness

Atkins Health prides themselves achieving results for their clients. If community sport participation is a goal of theirs then we will help support you in achieving that goal, from building capacity to navigating the correct activity in community for you.


Find out more about Carlo and his work:

https://www.atkinshealth.com.au/about-us/practitioners/carlo-alimboyong/


More Information:

https://www.atkinshealth.com.au/contact-us/appointments/

Get Social:

https://www.facebook.com/atkinshealth

https://www.instagram.com/atkins_health/

Share Spinal Health Week - Carlo Alimboyong on Facebook Share Spinal Health Week - Carlo Alimboyong on Twitter Share Spinal Health Week - Carlo Alimboyong on Linkedin Email Spinal Health Week - Carlo Alimboyong link