Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder that is caused by a brain injury suffered either before, during or after birth, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Cerebral palsy causes balance and postural problems. Ways to improve balance include doing exercises ranging from vertigo training to resistance training.
Water Walking
Exercising in water can provide many benefits including improving balance, strength and flexibility, coordination and circulation. Aqua therapy, or water exercising, provides therapeutic benefits by decreasing gravitational forces on the body. Water's natural resistance helps strengthen muscles, which can improve balance. Water's natural buoyancy allows movements that may be too difficult and painful on land. Use either an indoor or outdoor pool. Do shallow-water water walking. Place the patient into waist-deep water, according to United Cerebral Palsy. Have the patient either hold onto the arm of an able-bodied person or the side of the pool. Make certain feet touch the pool's bottom. Walk once around the pool's perimeter at a comfortable pace. Relax for 1 minute. Walk another lap around the pool. Do this exercise three to five times weekly. Decrease the difficulty level by lowering the intensity level. Start walking in circles or across the pool's width to provide variety.
Body and Neck Movement
Balance concerns affecting cerebral palsy patients can be caused by brain-related vertigo, according to Disabled World. Undergoing vestibular rehabilitation exercises known as the Epley maneuver can help. This involves positional head movement changes. Have the patient sit upright on a bed, feet over the side. Slowly turn head to the right. Move body onto the bed into a prone position. Keep head turned for 5 minutes. Slowly turn patient's head to left side. Stay in this position for 5 minutes. Roll patient's body to left side. Head will be facing straight ahead. Hold this position for 5 minutes. Have patient lift body to the original sitting position. Relax for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise twice.
Upright Balance Training
Strengthen leg muscles by doing an exercise known as a one-legged balance. Have patient stand with both feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands onto the back of a firm chair. Slowly lift right leg while bending knee, according to the National Institute on Aging. Lift right leg 4 inches from the surface. Place body weight onto left leg. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Return leg to original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. Do the exercise again with left leg. When strong enough, increase intensity by placing only one hand onto a chair's back.
Leg Strengthener
Resistance exercises can help improve balance in cerebral palsy patients, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Improve walking capabilities and balance by strengthening leg muscles. Do a toe stand, according to the National Institute on Aging. Have patient stand behind a sturdy chair, feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands onto chair's back for support purposes. Slowly have patient lift body up onto toes. Hold this position for 3 seconds. Slowly lower patient back to original position. Relax for 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
