If your child has a mental or physical disability, it might seem like he misses out on activities that other children get a chance to do, but this doesn't have to be the case. Swimming is a physically active sport that most people, even those with disabilities, can participate in with assistance. Always get approval from your child's physician before engaging him in swimming activities.
Types
Swimming is a low-impact sport that ranges from minimal aerobic activity to full-scale activity that can burn up to 511 calories per hour for the average-size person. Water is non-jarring and generally safe for a child with a physical disability who is unable to stand on her own or is in a wheelchair. The pool is a good place to practice range of motion exercises, such as moving the leg or arm repetitively to build strength and coordination. Small, repetitive movements in the water help with coordination and fine-motor skills. They also help improve mobility for the severely disabled.
Locations
For kids with disabilities, a good location for swimming therapy is in a pool that has marked depths so that you know exactly where the safe zone is for you and your child. Precise depth and length options allow you to try out different exercises and routines, including distance and underwater swimming. A swim spa can be used to aid with swimming and helps build upper body strength while working against slow to moderate currents. Ponds, lakes and streams should be discouraged if you do not know the precise depths.
Benefits
Kids need around 60 minutes of physical exercise every day, but being disabled either mentally or physically can make reaching those goals challenging. Swimming allows a disabled child to be actively in motion. Swimming is a way he can burn calories and improve his cardiovascular health. For disabled kids who are overweight, swimming can reduce the risk of weight-related disease and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease. Swimming also is a good way to improve mental health, as regular physical activity can reduce depression and improve self-esteem.
Precautions
Whether your child needs minimal or complete assistance in the water, swimming is an easy activity to get her involved in. With water, body weight feels reduced by buoyancy, making it easy to support your child and guide her through the right movements. Your child always should wear a life preserver, even in shallow water. Never leave a child with a disability unattended in the water. Make sure you are well-educated in CPR and water-related injuries before attempting a swim session on your own. Remove prosthetics and make sure the pool you are using will accommodate any medical equipment or walking aids your child uses.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise for Weight Loss, Calories Burned in 1 Hour; Mayo Clinic Staff; Dec. 1, 2009
- Spine-Health; Water Therapy Exercise Program; Andrew J. Cole, MD and Bruce E. Becker, MD, MS; 05/01/2001
- Fitness Magazine; Slim Down in a Splash: Pool Workout; Lara McGlashan; July/August 2009
- The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Benefits of Swimming and Aquatic Exercise
- American College of Sports Medicine: Disability Awareness, An Overview and Introduction
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