Cardio with knee injury

gettingfit · March 30th, 2007, 12:58 AM

Hi

I recently hurt my knee and started walking with a cane. I'll be using it for a while. In the meantime I would like to continue my daily cardio exercise.

Can anyone suggest a way of getting cardio exercise without using the knees?

Thank you

**stephenlavin** · April 2nd, 2007, 12:36 PM

well buddy . depends on how serious the knee injury is. If you want my humble opinion then i think you should take up swimming. Of course you will have to be careful with your kicking. An armband float placed around the injured leg would help keep it afloat in the water and although this would create extra drag it would decrease any stress you may place on the knee by kicking. If you can manage without the float then you are in fine fettle. I know it is a different form of cardio to running but it will serev you just as well.
hope it helps

**Italianangel** · April 9th, 2007, 11:27 PM

Usually post op they get you right on a bike, so I suggest ROM on a bike, this means very slow, maybe even pathetically slow but get that range going so the crap gets out of the knee.
For cardio you will need to do an arm bike or arm only rowing which is all back and arms..............You may also be able to do ROM only on the ellip. No intensity at all though.
I had my ACL done and they had me rehabbing it on the bike within a week or so post op. I also went in the same knee later for meniscus trim and they (top physios and surgeon - they do CFL and world league soccor players) had be on the bike a day or 2 after but again more so for help to heal vs cardio.
You could also circuit upper body work, high reps and non stop to get a cardio effect.
Linda

manbiggo · April 27th, 2007, 07:50 PM

When doing upper body cardio use a HRM and focus on getting your heart rate up and maintaining that level for at least 60 seconds. It takes a lot more work but if you don't your cardio level is going to fall off a cliff.

**painless2** · April 28th, 2007, 12:05 AM

If your gym has one, use an upper body ergometer or hand cycle. I am in a wheelchair and use it as one of my primary sources of cardiovascular exercise. Also, you can use a Schwinn Airdyne bike without using the pedals, or any apparatus that has arms on it. Best of luck!

gettingfit · July 11th, 2007, 12:24 AM

Thank you all for your replies.

My knee is much better now and I am back to my regular routine.