Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that cause abnormalities in the brain and affects an individual’s ability to control their muscles. There are three types of cerebral palsy with symptoms that range from mild to severe. It is usually diagnosed in children by three years old. According to March of Dimes, about 800,000 children and adults of all ages in the United States have cerebral palsy. Individuals with cerebral palsy can and should participate in exercise and physical activity to improve motor skills, and increase muscle strength and flexibility.
Exercise and Fitness
Children with cerebral palsy should still engage in regular exercise to reduce health problem and the risk of chronic disease, and to maintain a healthy weight. A physical therapist can recommend appropriate exercises to meet a child’s specific needs. Yoga can be a stress reliever while also increasing muscle flexibility and mobility. Swimming and aquatherapy is great for staying in shape by building muscle tone and increasing endurance. In addition, any exercise or activity that involves a ball can improve coordination.
Team Sports
People with disabilities are able to play several sports that are tailored specifically for them such as wheelchair basketball, football, and table tennis. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) maintains a comprehensive list of team sports for people with disabilities. UCP also provides detailed information on sports organizations for people with disabilities, sport rules, and information on where to purchase sports equipment. Those that would like to professionally compete can quality to participate in the Paralympic Games, which are held the same year and in the same city as the Olympic Games.
Programs for People with Disabilities
Sport and exercise programs for people with disabilities can be a valuable resource, especially for children. Children that participate in these programs are not only benefitting from the physical activity but they also learn valuable social skills and experience reduced anxiety. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability maintains a directory of programs that are available in each state. Depending on where you live, there is access to a variety of activities including camps, horseback riding and wheelchair sports.
