If you have a child with cerebral palsy, you may wonder if he can and should exercise. In fact, exercise may be crucial for children with cerebral palsy. The physical and mental benefits may be immeasurable. With a few modifications, your child may be able to enjoy many of the activities that his peers do.
Definition
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture caused by abnormal brain development before or after birth. The exact trigger of cerebral palsy is not always known, but possibilities include maternal infections that affect the fetus, gene mutations, a lack of oxygen to the infant's brain during birth, infant infections and traumatic brain injury to the infant after birth. The symptoms of cerebral palsy are physical and neurological and may include abnormal muscle tone, tremors, motor skill abnormalities, swallowing problems, speech difficulties, intellectual disabilities, seizures and vision and hearing problems, depending on the severity.
The Facts
The approach to treatment for a child with cerebral palsy is usually multidisciplinary, meaning specialized health care professionals will address each of your child's unique needs. Team members may include a pediatrician, neurologist, orthopedist, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, developmental therapist, mental health provider, social worker and special education teacher. Medication and surgery may be effective in managing cerebral palsy. However, the importance of exercise should not be overlooked.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercises and muscle training can help your child's motor development, mobility, strength, balance and flexibility. Braces and splints can help your child with function and stretch stiff muscles. Because of stress on the body and a poorly developed heart and lungs, your child may be prone to high blood pressure and osteoarthritis at an earlier age. Exercise in children with cerebral palsy can strengthen those vital organs and reduce the risks associated with premature aging. It can improve your child's sense of well-being and reduce anxiety and depression through social interaction.
Recommended Exercises
The types of exercises your child can perform depend on his physical limitations. The key to exercise for children with cerebral palsy is making it fun. Aquatherapy may allow your child to move in ways not possible for him on dry land, and swimming can decrease stress and improve muscle tone, coordination and endurance. It can be a fun activity that you and your child can share together or with other children with cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is an equestrian form of therapy in which your child rides a horse with a therapist or independently if he's physically able. The rhythmic stride of a horse may give your child the sensation of walking. Hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, muscle strength and movement. Other exercises for children with cerebral palsy include yoga, dancing and games with balls.
Considerations
Your child may require specialized equipment or help from a trainer with experience with neuromuscular disorders. Safety should be a priority when your child exercises. Start each session with a warm-up period and end each session with a cool-down period. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Gradually increase the time and intensity of exercise sessions, but do not overdo it. Consult your child's doctor before beginning a fitness regimen and ask how your child's medications may affect his ability to exercise.
