Overview
Did you know that for children with cerebral palsy, playing sports and engaging in recreational activities isn't just fun – it's transformative? Recreational therapy plays a vital role in enhancing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with cerebral palsy by providing opportunities for engagement in adaptive sports and leisure activities tailored to their abilities and interests. This article will explore the significance of recreational therapy in improving the quality of life for people with cerebral palsy, focusing on adaptive sports and leisure activities as valuable components of their holistic care.
Understanding cerebral palsy
First, let us understand what cerebral palsy is.
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of life-long conditions that impede movement and coordination. It is caused by a brain disorder that appears before, during, or shortly after birth1.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy symptoms are typically not apparent immediately after birth. They become evident at a young age.
Symptoms may include:2
- Delays in developmental milestones, such as not sitting by 8 months or walking by 18 months, as well as stiffness or floppy appearance
- Weak arms or legs
- Fidgety, jerky, or awkward movements
- Erratic, uncontrolled movements
- Walking on tiptoes can cause swallowing, speech, vision, and learning issues
The degree of symptoms might vary greatly. Some people have modest issues, whilst others may be seriously impaired.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of factors and are not always indicative of a serious condition. Your child may be sent to child development specialists who can do certain exams and testing.
Causes of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy occurs when a baby's brain does not develop normally while in the womb or is damaged during or shortly after delivery.
Possible causes of brain haemorrhage or oxygen deficiency include pregnancy infections, asphyxiation during difficult births, meningitis, and severe head injuries.3
However, in many cases, the actual aetiology is unclear.
Treatments for cerebral palsy
There is presently no cure for cerebral palsy, although therapies are available to assist persons with the condition in remaining as active and independent as possible.
Treatments include:4
- Exercise and stretching are examples of physiotherapy techniques. They help seriously to assist retain physical abilities and maybe improve movement difficulties
- Speech therapy can help with speech, communication, and swallowing challenges
- Occupational therapy involves identifying and addressing challenges with daily duties, including medication for muscle stiffness, and surgery for movement or growth issues
A team of healthcare professionals will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your or your child's specific requirements.
Outlook for cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, making it difficult to foresee what the future holds for you or your kid.
Generally speaking: Most children survive into adulthood, and some can live for decades. The condition may limit your child's activities and independence, but many go on to lead full, independent lives. While many children attend mainstream schools, some may require special education.1
Cerebral palsy does not worsen over time, but it can cause physical strain and joint pain in later life. Additionally, the daily challenges of living with cerebral palsy can be difficult to cope with, leading to clinical depression in some individuals.1
Recreational therapy for cerebral palsy
What is recreational therapy?
Recreational therapy, also called therapeutic recreation, helps children with cerebral palsy (CP) perform activities they enjoy. This can include sports, arts, and games. Therapists design these activities to match each child’s abilities, making sure they can fully participate and have fun.5
Why is recreational therapy important?
Everyone has hobbies they love, and children with CP should be no different. Recreational activities, like swimming, basketball, painting, or dancing, are not just fun they help children connect with others and enjoy life. Recreational therapy makes it possible for children with CP to experience these benefits.5
How does recreational therapy help?
Recreational therapy helps children with CP in many ways:6
- Physical benefits: activities improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall fitness
- Mental benefits: it boosts self-confidence, helps manage stress, reduces feelings of isolation, and improves overall well-being
- Cognitive benefits: enhances decision-making skills, behaviour, and organization
Adapting activities
Therapists modify activities to suit each child's needs. For example:
- Sports: wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, or adapted tennis
- Arts and crafts: using softer clay or special painting tools
- Dance and music: adaptive equipment and movements to include everyone
Goals of recreational therapy
The goals are:7
- Assess a child's ability to take part in activities
- Teach adaptive strategies to minimize the impact of CP
- Encourage and support participation in enjoyable activities
- Modify activities to enhance inclusion
- Help children socialize and make friends
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Develop new interests and hobbies
Benefits of recreational therapy
Recreational therapy offers many benefits:7
- Physical: better physical skills, strength, and health
- Psychological: improved social skills, stress management, and reduced anxiety
- Cognitive: better behaviour, decision-making skills, and confidence
When is recreational therapy recommended?
Recreational therapy can be recommended at any age and is usually suggested by special education professionals, behavioural counsellors, or parents. Activities are always age-appropriate, starting with simple games for young children and progressing to more complex activities as they grow older.1
What do recreational therapists do?
They:7
- Assess each child's abilities and interests
- Work with the child’s medical team to create a treatment plan
- Adapt and modify activities to suit the child's needs
- Encourage and motivate the child to participate
- Teach the child how to use any special equipment
- Provide ongoing support and make adjustments as needed
Where is recreational therapy done?
Recreational therapy can take place in various settings:1
- Indoor: homes, schools, medical offices, and community centres.
- Outdoor: parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities
Who provides recreational therapy?
Trained professionals with degrees in recreational therapy or related fields provide this therapy. They often have certifications and undergo regular training to stay updated.7
What happens during recreational therapy?
- Assessment: evaluating the child's abilities, interests, and needs
- Planning: creating a tailored treatment plan
- Implementation: engaging the child in adapted activities
- Support: offering continuous encouragement and adjusting the plan as needed
Conclusion
Recreational therapy helps children with cerebral palsy enjoy life-enhancing activities. It improves their physical, mental, and social well-being, allowing them to lead fulfilling and active lives.
Examples of adaptive sports
- Running with support - for children unable to run independently, consider frame running - an adapted sport using a mobility aid for moving and balance assistance when running.8
- Swimming activities - swimming can greatly benefit kids with cerebral palsy. The water allows movement and muscle strengthening for those with high or low muscle tone who struggle on land. It's also a valuable life skill8
- Frame football -This adapted team sport focuses on exercise and participation. It's designed for children requiring walking frames or mobility aids to get around9
- Para-cycling - cycling is easily modifiable with specialized equipment like therapy trikes, hand cycles, and tandem bikes8
- Aided ice skating - various aids exist to enable ice skating for those with cerebral palsy, such as adapted orthotic skates and balance supports
- Wheelchair basketball - this popular adapted team sport encourages teamwork, coordination, fitness and fun. Wheelchair basketball clubs can be found throughout the country due to their popularity10
Examples of leisure activities
For children with cerebral palsy, recreational pursuits like art, music, reading and theatre provide an exciting outlet for creativity and self-expression.
- Art: kids with limited ability can easily make beautiful paintings using large brush handles, velcro grips or even head wands to guide the brush. Spin tables allow pottery making for those who can't firmly grasp clay. Tie-dye is another fun option – just move and scrunch the fabric to absorb vibrant colours.13
- Musical expression: you don't need finely coordinated fingers to make music! Drum pads and stomp boxes let kids produce rhythms using their hands, feet or heads. Singing engagingly strengthens lung capacity. And audiobooks set to music let stories spring to life without holding books14
- Reading and writing: speaking of audiobooks and text-to-speech apps, provide easy access to literature for kids who can't turn pages independently. Voice typing software allows writing stories or comic books just by talking aloud15
- Theatrical Adventures: an inclusive theatre group welcomes kids with differing abilities to take part in all aspects of productions – acting, staging, writing scripts and more. Putting on talent shows with friends doing skits, magic acts or poetry readings builds confidence. Even a silly lip sync battle allows self-expression through movements kids can manage16
Ian's story: finding joy in frame running
A success story
Twelve-year-old Ian is a cheerful and adventurous boy who loves trying new sports and enjoys music. Although cerebral palsy affects one side of his body, making his muscles stiff and movement difficult, his speech and fine motor skills are unaffected. Every day before school, Ian and his family do 30 minutes of stretching exercises to help with his stiff muscles. He also uses walking aids and sometimes a wheelchair.17
In August 2019, Ian's mum Sheena found out about Frame Running, a sport using a special tricycle without pedals, perfect for kids with walking difficulties. Ian quickly fell in love with it and enjoyed regular coaching sessions. He soon showed great potential and now represents Scotland in international Frame Running competitions. He's proud to have won several gold medals and achieved personal best times.
Ian's involvement in Frame Running has brought him joy, new friends, and a sense of independence. Sheena says it’s wonderful to see him and other children light up with happiness during their sessions. His family continues to support an Edinburgh Frame Running club, helping more children experience the freedom and fun this sport offers. Ian’s story shows how adaptive sports can greatly improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy.17
Summary
In conclusion, cerebral palsy presents unique challenges, but with the right support and adaptations, children with this condition can participate in a wide range of recreational activities, from adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and ice skating to leisure pursuits like art and music. These activities not only promote physical and emotional well-being but also foster a sense of belonging and self-expression. By embracing inclusivity and providing accessible opportunities, we can ensure that children with cerebral palsy can lead active, fulfilling lives enriched by leisure activities.
References
- NHS. Overview - Cerebral Palsy [Internet]. NHS. NHS; 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy/
- Cerebral Palsy Symptoms | Signs to Look For [Internet]. Cerebralpalsyguidance.com. 2016. Available from: https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/symptoms/
- NIH. What causes cerebral palsy? [Internet]. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/. 2016. Available from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cerebral-palsy/conditioninfo/causes
- NIH. What are common treatments for cerebral palsy? [Internet]. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/. 2016. Available from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cerebral-palsy/conditioninfo/treatments
- Recreational Therapy [Internet]. cerebralpalsy.org. 2020. Available from: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/treatment/therapy/recreation-therapy
- Recreational Therapy [Internet]. cerebralpalsy.org. Available from: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/treatment/therapy/recreation-therapy#:~:text=Recreation%20therapy%20has%20numerous%20benefits
- Plexus. Recreational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy: An Overview [Internet]. PLEXUS. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://plexusnc.com/recreational-therapy-for-cerebral-palsy-an-overview/#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20Recreational%20Therapy
- SpecialKids .company. The best sports for children with Cerebral Palsy [Internet]. SpecialKids.company. 2021 [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://specialkids.company/blogs/latest-news/the-best-sports-for-children-with-cerebral-palsy
- Frame Football [Internet]. CP Sport | Cerebral Palsy Sport. [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://cpsport.org/framefootball/#:~:text=Frame%20Football%20is%20an%20adapted
- Wheelchair Basketball [Internet]. CP Sport | Cerebral Palsy Sport. [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://cpsport.org/wheelchair-basketball/#:~:text=The%20wheelchair%20game%20is%20very
- Rodenby D. CP Sport partner with Sport England to level up access to sport and physical activity for people with cerebral palsy [Internet]. CP Sport | Cerebral Palsy Sport. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://cpsport.org/cp-sport-partner-with-sport-england-to-level-up-access-to-sport-and-physical-activity-for-people-with-cerebral-palsy/
- Cerebral Palsy Sport launches “Introduction to RaceRunning” resource [Internet]. Activity Alliance. 2016. Available from: https://www.activityalliance.org.uk/news/2013-cerebral-palsy-sport-launches-introduction-to-racerunning-resource
- The Arts: Dance, Drama and Visual Arts [Internet]. cerebralpalsy.org. Available from: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/information/activities/arts
- Music therapy and children with cerebral palsy [Internet]. Physiopedia. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Music_therapy_and_children_with_cerebral_palsy
- Murphy A, Bailey B, Arciuli J. Exploring the Effects of Literacy Instruction for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools [Internet]. 2023 Jan 17;54(1):299–321. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36306504/
- The Arts: Dance, Drama and Visual Arts [Internet]. cerebralpalsy.org. Available from: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/information/activities/arts
- Research AM, Floor 5th, Street 167-169 GP, London, W1w 5pf. Ian’s story - Frame Running [Internet]. Action Medical Research. 2020 [cited 2024 Jun 9]. Available from: https://action.org.uk/research/family-stories/ians-story-frame-running