Examples of Physical Exercises for Children With Cerebal Palsy

Physical exercise is an important need for children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Exercise will help to retain in their bodies the muscle tone that might otherwise be lost due to being unable to move as freely as those who do not have cerebral palsy. These exercises also help promote fitness and prevent extra weight gain that may occur due to being less active. The following are some examples of commonly used exercises for children who have cerebral palsy.

Yoga

• Yoga is a stress-free type of exercise that is wonderful for children with cerebral palsy. It helps encourage mobility and flexibility of the limbs that tend to tighten up due to this disease. Yoga also helps the patient to retain muscle tone and build strength in their bodies. It is also a relaxing exercise that cerebral palsy patients enjoy.

Swimming

• Swimming is another great physical activity for children who have cerebral palsy. The kicking and splashing movement of the arms and legs will help patients to stay in shape while also having fun. Swimming also helps to loosen tight limbs that have become less flexible due to inactivity. This type of aqua therapy is considered to be one of the best treatments for children with cerebral palsy.

Horse Back Riding

• Another popular exercise for cerebral palsy patients is horseback riding, also known as hippotherapy. This exercise is relaxing and can be quite enjoyable. The slow, graceful movements of horseback riding help make the entire body more flexible. Not only will children with cerebral palsy benefit physically from horse back riding, but they also have the pleasure of having a gentle animal as part of their treatment.

Play Ball

• Playing ball is a type of exercise that children with cerebral palsy enjoy tremendously. This type of treatment may even be considered more like having fun to the child. The type of ball played will depend upon the severity of the disease. If the child is able to run and jump, baseball, basketball or kickball can be the perfect way to encourage fitness and muscle strength in cerebral-palsy patients. If the child is less mobile, simply throwing or kicking a ball will provide the adequate amount of exercise needed for building muscle tone and improving flexibility.