Cerebral Palsy and Physical Fitness

Fact Checked

Children with cerebral palsy benefit from regular physical activity. Although it can be more challenging, exercise helps reduce the risks of chronic illnesses and complications of cerebral palsy.  Numerous activities for all levels of cerebral palsy can help children stay active and healthy.

The Importance of Staying Physically Fit

Due to the stress on their bodies, children with cerebral palsy are at risk of aging prematurely. Exercise and maintaining good health during youth can help prevent premature aging. At the same time, these activities will help them feel better both mentally and physically.

Although exercising and staying healthy are not cures for cerebral palsy, they help the child avoid injuries and reduce the impact of associated disorders and illnesses.

Other health benefits of staying physically fit include:

• Increased flexibility and strength
• Improved cardiovascular conditions
• Better sleep
• Improved emotional and mental clarity
• Healthy body weight

How to Help Your Child Stay Active and Healthy

There is a misconception that children with cerebral palsy can’t participate in exercises and physical activities. Yet, there are several exercises for all fitness levels and abilities. The key is to incorporate physical fitness into the child’s life as early as possible so that it becomes a lifelong habit.

Work with your primary healthcare provider, a physical therapist, and other medical professionals to find the right balance and level of exercise for your child’s individual needs.

For instance, while some children benefit most from engaging in sports, others may do better with physical therapy sessions and solo fitness routines.

A child with cerebral palsy can benefit from several types of exercise:

• Strength training. Muscles are affected by cerebral palsy. Exercises that improve strength and muscle endurance can help improve symptoms.
• Cardiovascular exercises. Cardio exercise raises the heart rate and improves overall fitness. Cardiovascular fitness helps maintain weight and reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes.
• Flexibility training. While everyone can benefit from being more flexible, it is essential for those with cerebral palsy. Muscles and joints can be very tight with cerebral palsy, so regular flexibility and mobility exercises are helpful.

How Much Exercise Should a Child Get Per Day?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise daily.[1]

This recommendation does not take into account a child’s disabilities. A recent study used a literature review, clinical experience, and expert guidance to develop physical activity recommendations specific to people with cerebral palsy:[2]

• Cardiovascular (Aerobic) Exercise: one to two 20-minute sessions per week, progressing to three per week at more than 60% peak heart rate
• Resistance Exercise: two to four sessions per week, progressing from single-joint and machine-based exercises to multi-joint, free-weight exercises
• Daily Physical Activity: five days per week or more of 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous and varied activities

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Physical Activity?

Many children with cerebral palsy do not get enough physical activity or exercise. This can increase the risk of chronic health conditions.[3]

There are several health concerns that children with cerebral palsy may encounter as they age. Without regular fitness exercises and a nutritional diet, these problems can worsen. Other common health issues that occur in children with cerebral palsy include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Respiratory issues
• Neurological problems

Helping Your Child Maintain Long-Term Physical Fitness

You can help your child stay motivated by setting up physical fitness goals. Include the entire family, as research suggests that families who exercise together and play sports and games together tend to find physical fitness more enjoyable.

Just like every other person, there may be days when your child is not feeling up to exercising.  Perhaps they are ill or don’t feel like exercising on a particular day. These instances are okay and should be expected. The key is to pick up the following day and keep the activities as interesting as possible.

One way to do this is to set more attainable, short-term goals for your child. Reward them accordingly afterward. As they become used to exercise, consider increasing these goals.

Having realistic expectations for your child regarding exercising is essential to instill a lifetime fitness habit. This can be tricky and sometimes difficult, but your child’s healthcare team can assist you in developing the right plan for your family.