Cerebral palsy is a collective term used in reference to several childhood neurological disorders that permanently alter muscle coordination and body movement. Individuals with the disorder can have a number of impairments, including muscle tone problems, speech or breathing difficulties and abnormal walking patterns. Regular exercise offers several distinct benefits for those with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Basics
Cerebral palsy gets its name because it involves impaired motor function, or palsy, in your cerebral cortex, the area of your brain that guides normal muscle movement, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The condition is not progressive and does not worsen as you age; still, individuals with cerebral palsy may develop different symptoms at different times. Most children who have cerebral palsy were born with it. However, some children develop the disorder after experiencing damage resulting from brain injuries or infections.
Exercise Basics
Children with cerebral palsy need exercise just like everyone else, CerebralPalsy.org notes. The specific types of exercise your child can perform depends on the particulars of his condition. Typically, you can develop an appropriate program with the help of your child's doctor or a physical therapist. Particular exercises that may be suitable for your child include swimming, yoga, dancing and foot or hand-eye coordination activities that require the use of a ball. Your child may also benefit from a formal movement-based physical therapy program.
Exercise Benefits
United Cerebral Palsy lists specific potential benefits of a cerebral palsy exercise program that include maintenance of bone structure and strength, increased efficiency in your child's heart and lung function and increased ability to improve or maintain mobility, coordination, muscular strength and flexibility. Additional potential benefits include improved ability to control weight and reduction of risks for the development of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure. In addition to the physical benefits of regular exercise, your child may gain significant emotional or psychological benefits, including increased integration in social situations, stress reduction and more satisfying interactions with other children.
Additional Treatment Components
NINDS lists additional common components in a cerebral palsy control program that include speech therapy, behavioral therapy, antispasmodic medications and foot orthotics or braces designed to improve your child's gait, posture or muscular coordination. Individuals with more severe impairments may also require mechanical walking aids or communications aids such as portable speech devices or computers. Typically, your child's doctor can help determine an appropriate treatment plan and help coordinate the participation of other health specialists.
Adult Considerations
If you are an adult with cerebral palsy, your specific requirements for exercise and other coping therapies may differ from those associated with childhood, the NINDS notes. Potential difficulties associated with adult cerebral palsy include pain, depression, development of degenerative arthritis, premature aging, fatigue, weakness and functional issues related to the performance of work-related tasks. Consult your doctor for more information on developing appropriate strategies to cope with these unique challenges.
