Pool exercises can help keep disabled children active and physically fit . They range from floating exercises to water walking exercises. While it is possible for a disabled child to perform pool exercises unassisted, most will require a swimming aid or assistant for safety reasons.
Floating Exercise
This basic floating exercise will help improve your child's coordination and help him relax his muscles. Wade into the shallow end of the pool with your child. Have him lie down on his back and place floating aids beneath his neck and lower legs. Once your child is securely on both floats, allow him to drift unassisted for several seconds. Once you let go, he will naturally be forced to balance and use his muscles to stay secure on the floats. As your child improves, have him add in some kicks while on the floats to exercise his leg muscles.
Underwater Treadmill Exercise
Underwater treadmill exercises are designed for disabled children who are suffering from spinal chord injuries as well as certain neurological diseases. Many children suffering from cerebral palsy are unable to walk for extended periods of time because of damaged nerves and a blunted cardiovascular response. Placing them on the treadmill while in a pool increases blood flow, allowing your child to walk for a longer and more consistent amount of time. Your child's duration on the treadmill should directly depend on his external endurance. If he can walk for one minute straight outside of the pool, have him walk for five minutes in the pool.
Forward Arm Reach
This shoulder exercise will strengthen your child's arms and shoulders. Have your child get into the shallow end of the pool and sit down on a step so that the water level is directly at your child's shoulders. With both feet flat on the floor, have your child extend both arms out in front of her body, making sure that her arms are parallel with the ground. From this position, have her lift both of her arms up over her head until they are perpendicular with the ground. Have her return her arms to the original position and repeat until she is fatigued.
Bicycling
This pool exercise will help improve your child's range of motion and leg strength. Have your child get into the corner of the shallow end of the pool and place both arms on the sides of the pool. If he needs assistance, place both of you arms on his shoulders for additional support. Once in this position, have him bend at the knees and start moving both of his legs as if he is on a stationary bike. As he improves this motion, have him bring his knees up and out of the water to add additional resistance to the motion.
