People who have Cerebral Palsy are less likely to be able to exercise, which will increase their sedentary lifestyle. This may increase their risk of developing heart disease, obesity, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
I understand now why the exercises I used to do as a child never helped my muscle tone; it is important to find the right ones that help you with what you deal with. When it comes to any disability, the extent of the disability very much depends on the affected part of the brain for that individual.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise for someone with a disability, helps decrease the risk of premature illness and ageing. For someone with cerebral palsy, exercise plays its part in decreasing muscle spasms and withering movements, called athetosis. Exercise helps with ease and independence. On a psychological level, exercise may also help improve overall quality of life, self-confidence and body image.
A general programme for those with cerebral palsy should also include if possible, aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility training. If it can be done, aerobic exercise should be performed 3 to 5 days per week, strength training twice a week and mandatory stretching exercises, which help with muscle spasms.
For those who use a wheelchair, special attention should be placed on hip flexors, chest muscles and hamstrings. Gradual progression is recommended with any exercise and caution should always be taken to make sure you stay safe. The amount of time you spend on exercise should be increased before increasing the intensity.
Exercise challenges with a disability
There will always be challenges associated with cerebral palsy. Those challenges may include dealing with anti-seizure medications, anti-spasm medications and muscle relaxants, which have an effect on motivation and ones ability to be able to exercise.
Their job is to suppress and relax muscle function that can cause drowsiness, weakness and lack of muscle tone and lethargy, which makes it harder to exercise. Other symptoms can include dizziness, irritability, nausea and mental confusion. If any of these symptoms occur then stop exercising immediately.
Functional abilities should always be considered when starting any exercise. People who can walk on their own may use a treadmill, but if walking is limited, a body support system can help. Recumbent cycling and wheelchair propulsion can be used for people who can't walk independently.
For arm and leg cycling, both hands and feet should be strapped comfortably to the handles or pedals. Physical fatigue may cause spasticity to increase.
