Why Physical Activity is Important to People with Cerebral Palsy
The benefits that an individual with cerebral palsy (CP) can gain from physical activity will largely depend on their starting point, and the degree of effort which they are willing to put into an exercise program. The choice of physical activity should be matched with the individual’s needs and their abilities. The individual will move and participate in their own way. The types of equipment which may assist a person with CP to participate in physical activity may include Manual, sport or power wheelchairs, canes, crutches, walkers, braces and orthotics.
Each and every individual should have the opportunity to get actively involved in community programs, fitness and health initiatives. The role of physical activity providers in creating a welcoming and safe environment to accommodate a person with CP cannot be understated.
Teaching and Communication Techniques for Physical Activity Leaders
When working with an individual who has CP, consider the following:
- Create a welcoming environment – customer service focus;
- Ask the individual what their needs and interests are – never assume;
- Offer assistance and support as required or when asked;
- Reminder: privacy/disclosure policies ensure individuals share information at their discretion and comfort;
- Focus on what the individual can do rather than what they cannot;
- Think safety first;
- Encourage the individual to consult with a medical professional prior to starting a physical activity program;
- Be patient and supportive;
- Consult with resource agencies with expertise in areas of inclusive physical activity – training or professional development materials may be beneficial;
- Ensure staff and volunteers receive adequate training to be able to deliver quality customer service, gain equipment knowledge/use and learn about available resources – on/off-site;
- Allocate additional staff or volunteers to the area where the participant will be taking part in an activity, where possible;
- Provide a facility without barriers to participation, thus creating access to the venue, equipment or activity (this could include: accessible parking spaces, ramp access or flat access to the front door, remove obstacles in hallways – signage, garbage/recycling bins, automatic or wide frame doorways to enter/exit);
- Create space for easy movement and participation;
- Avoid slippery surfaces and raised obstructions;
- If available, provide adapted equipment required to accommodate for limitations;
- Reminder – do not touch an individual or their assistive device or service animal without their consent;
- When leading activities outdoors, ensure participants wear sun screen, protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat because certain medications may make a person more susceptible to sun burn;
- As with every individual, other considerations should be discussed (i.e. pain, fatigue and the individual’s expectations).
Modifying Leisure, Sport and Recreation Activities
- Match the individual with activities which meet their needs and abilities. Some individuals may be able to perform yoga or ride a bike, while for others, gentle aerobics may be enough;
- Develop activities at the level of the individual focusing on strength, endurance, balance and flexibility;
- Make it fun – having fun and socializing are important benefits to physical activity experienced by people who are active;
- Make it interesting – exercise and every day activities, such as gardening or walking a dog, can easily go together.
More About Cerebral Palsy
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term used to explain a neurological condition which impacts muscle coordination and body movement. CP is regarded as a non-progressive condition brought about by an injury to the developing brain. That said, the effects of CP can change with time. It may be possible for children who have CP to gain sufficient hand control to ride a bike. Conversely, tight muscles in the hips and spines of growing children may require orthopedic surgery. Exercise is crucial for individuals with CP when it comes to maintaining or enhancing strength, flexibility and overall health.
CP occurs through a lack of oxygen to the brain of the infant during pregnancy, or as a result of a bump or fall. CP interferes with messages sent from the brain to the body, and vice versa.
The symptoms of CP can vary for every person. Some people may appear to be minimally affected, while others may be non-speaking and use mobility aids and personal attendant care to help with daily living.
Impact of Cerebral Palsy
Physical activity can go a long way towards enhancing the health and lifestyle of a person with CP. These individuals have more to lose from being sedentary.
It's important to note that limbs which are affected through CP are not paralyzed, and that these limbs can feel cold, heat, pressure and pain. It should also be remembered that just because a person with CP may be unable to speak, it does not mean that they have nothing to say. The level of physical disability experienced by a person with CP is not a reflection of their intelligence.
Based on which area or areas of the brain have been injured, a person with CP may experience any of the following. These challenges may in turn lead to other difficulties with eating, poor bowel or bladder control, pressure sores or breathing problems. For a person with CP, all of these difficulties can be well managed.
- Spasm or muscle tightness;
- Involuntary movement;
- Difficulty with gross motor skills including walking and running;
- Difficulty with fine motor skills including speaking and writing;
- Abnormal sensation and perception.
The injury to the brain which led to CP may in addition bring about a number of other conditions, including:
- Vision problems;
- Seizures;
- Learning disabilities;
- Hearing disability.
Useful Information about Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy generally appears at birth or within the first three years of life;
- Damage to motor neurons in the brain affect coordination and muscle strength;
- Approximately 1 in 500 newborns and up to one in three premature babies are affected with symptoms ranging from mild to severe;
- There are over 50,000 Canadians with CP.
Resources
Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association - www.ocpsa.com
Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association - www.ccpsa.ca
Cerebral Palsy Canada Network - www.cpcanadanetwork.com
Variety Village - www.varietyvillage.ca
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy: A Guide to Cerebral Palsy - www.ofcp.ca/pdf/Web-Guide-To-CP.pdf
Helping Canadians with Disability/Chronic Disease Get Physically Active
For Canadians with a disability, regular physical activity may be even more important than it is for the rest of the population. For a person with a disability, an active lifestyle can open doors to increased health, social inclusion and self-empowerment - doors which might otherwise remain closed. Access to physical activity can eliminate the likelihood of acquiring secondary health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Being active builds resiliency and can provide an all-important outlet for a person with a disability.
This project would not have been possible without the expertise of our partners. ALACD would like to sincerely thank these organizations for working with us to develop this resource: the Ontario Blind Sports Association, Variety Village, the National Network for Mental Health, and the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada.