Routine tasks like carrying the groceries to the car or walking up the stairs can be a challenge for those with cerebral palsy. Regular exercise, when approached with caution and approved by your doctor, serves as an effective way to minimize the symptoms of the condition and improve motor function, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Significance
Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by injury or abnormal brain function that results in impaired movement, posture and muscle tone. Many with the condition experience difficulty walking or suffer rapid involuntary movements and seizures, along with vision and hearing problems. Cerebral palsy affects your whole body in some cases, although often only a limb or a specific body part are affected. Treatment that includes consistent exercise is essential to help avoid muscle rigidity and other effects of the condition.
Benefits
MayoClinic.com reports that exercise benefits those with cerebral palsy through improved strength, flexibility, mobility and balance, along with motor development and coordination. Exercise also helps you build stamina that will eventually make navigating daily responsibilities easier and may reduce anxiety, as well as provide group interaction.
Function & Time Frame
Exercise for those with cerebral palsy should focus on stretching tight muscles and strengthening muscles that may be weak due to limited use. Incorporate exercise into everyday activities like eating and getting dressed when possible and increase your intensity and duration, as well as how many times each week you work out, based on your comfort level. A reasonable goal for most people consists of exercise at least three times weekly for up to 30 minutes. Include a short warm-up before each activity period that includes light stretching and slow walking and give yourself ample time to cool down when the workout concludes. Slight muscle soreness is common in the initial stages of an activity plan.
Types
Ideal exercise for those with cerebral palsy includes supervised swimming that provides the opportunity to kick, splash or play games using inflatable weights and balls, or tai chi --- a form of yoga that incorporates breathing and stretching activities with holding specific positions for short time periods. Some with cerebral palsy benefit from chair aerobics, or exercise in a seated position that focuses on stretching and upper body movements. Brisk walking is beneficial, as well as exercise equipment that simulates stair climbing and elastic exercise bands that attach to an object and provide resistance when pulled.
Considerations
Ask your doctor for help in planning an exercise schedule and routine suited to your individual health condition and review your medications with your doctor in advance to lower your risk of injury. Exercise with a partner when possible and wear appropriate footwear and clothes based on your type of workout, including knee and elbow pads when necessary. Avoid loose clothing that can potentially get caught in exercise equipment.
Warning
Stop exercise immediately and contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, dizzy spells, nausea or extreme pain in your joints and muscles.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Cerebral Palsy Overview
- MayoClinic.com: Cerebral Palsy: Treatments and Drugs
- United Cerebral Palsy: Exercise & Fitness
- United Cerebral Palsy: Exercise & Fitness: Suggested Exercises
- Cerebral Palsy.org: Exercise Matters to Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy Source.com: Exercises for People with Cerebral Palsy
