In this manual:
http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/SO-therapeutic-manual.pdf -
it says: "Purpose
Doctors, in increasing number, have been suggesting to patients who are recovering from accidents,
heart attacks, and other disabilities that ice skating may help them."
They state some of the conditions, as to:
Who Can BenefitPersons with a wide range of handicaps, including those who sustain injuries and who are
temporarily
impaired, may benefit from regular ice skating exercise with the permission of their attending physicians.
Among these are the following:
1. The mentally (removed)
2. Those with cerebral palsy
3. Those who have had knee and ankle injuries, especially if adapted devises are used
4. Those who have had surgery for hip joint disease to correct the condition
5. Those who have sideways curvature of the spine, if corrected by the use of a brace
6. Those who have bad posture, balance difficulties, or problems with coordination
7. Those who need body conditioning
8. Senior citizens
9. Those who have had heart surgery
10. Those who have psychological problems
11. Those who are blind, with orientation and guidance
12. Those who are deaf, with visual guidance
13. Amputees, when fitted with corrective skating equipment
14. Those recovering from chemical dependencies
I know alot of people with these (above) challenges, and some were they given this chance, I know would too enjoy
skating...