Progeria is a rare genetic disease that involves aging in children. According to the Progeria Research Foundation, Progeria affects one in 4 to 8 million newborns worldwide. The condition is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, which produces Lamin A protein that maintains the nucleus of cells. When the cell nucleus is unstable, it causes premature aging.
Symptoms
Progeria causes a distinctive look with visible aging in children. Symptoms include growth failure of the body and teeth, a narrow and wrinkled face, loss of hair and body fat, a large head, an open soft spot on the head, a small jaw, dry skin, limited range of motion and joint stiffness, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Physical Therapy
Children with progeria often develop contractures and hip joint dislocation, which result in loss of joint motion. Based on medical recommendation, a physical therapist might choose range of motion exercises because they could help to preserve joint range. These exercises are done several times weekly in combination with various stretching exercises. Orthotics that help a child walk more evenly and pain-free in addition to certain adaptive devices like electric wheelchairs might be instituted by a physical therapist. Aerobic exercise may or may not work for a child with progeria. This type of exercise depends on the level of pain the child is experiencing and his cardiovascular problems.
Activity Recommendations
The Progeria Research Foundation suggests that children with progeria should participate in physical activities because they enhance peer relationships and physical fitness. Physical activities can also decrease functional limitations that come along with disease progression. Children with progeria do not usually have social or cognitive problems, so peer relationships are only limited physically but can be enhanced with certain adaptive equipment. Children can participate in walking, dancing, hiking and swimming with the permission and guidance of a doctor and physical therapist. Contact sports will likely be dangerous because of physical limitations.
Swimming
Though swimming is a supportive activity that is good for joints, a child with progeria may experience some problems. The water might feel very cold to a child with Progeria due to the loss of body fat. A heated pool may be helpful in this circumstance or a custom-made wetsuit that provides some insulation. According to the Progeria Research Foundation, body fat enables a person to float so swimming can be more difficult for a child with progeria. It is always necessary that the child is supervised by an adult or lifeguard who is familiar with water safety and rescue.
Risks
A change in the child's functional status such as pain, inability to walk or a range of motion change warrants prompt medical evaluation. Stretches and any other exercises should be gentle and done with the direction and monitoring of a doctor and physical therapist.
