Cerebral Palsy and Sport

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Introduction

Benefits of sport include; socialising and interacting with others, creating a feeling of inclusion, keeping fit and healthy and the release of endorphins, and empowerment through participating in something that provides enjoyment and a sense of achievement through personal bests.

Barriers

Barriers to Sport can be categorised into 3 Groups: Physical, Logistical, Psychological.

Physical Barriers

Can include facilities that are inaccessible for people with a disability, or where adaptive equipment is necessary but costly.

Logistical/Environmental Barriers

Relate to support from families to attend or ability of others to use manual handling equipment and often there are limited times for when disability sport is available.

Psychological Barriers

Include both the perception of self and the attitude of others. A lack of confidence or self-esteem can prevent people with a disability people from considering participation in sporting activity, especially when coupled with a lack of awareness of available opportunities. The same can be said for the child’s support network. A fear of ‘health and safety’ may make facilities dismiss inclusion sport, and a focus on changing these attitudes is required.

Verschuren et al (2012) explored in greater detail facilitators and barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for children and young persons with Cerebral Palsy .

Specific Interventions Aimed At Improving Physical Activity:

Fitness Training

Verschuren et al (2007)  completed a randomised controlled trial with 86 children comparing the effect of aerobic and anaerobic circuit training against a control group. Exercise capacity was significantly increased in the training group. Additionally, they demonstrated improvements in agility, muscle strength, self-perception of athletic competence and participation level. Quality of life also improved; measured with the Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, Motor, Autonomy and Cognition Domains all improved.

Strength and Stability

Dodd et al (2002)  completed a systematic review of the effectiveness of strength training for people with Cerebral Palsy and found that strength-training programs increase the muscle strength of children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy. In addition, this was in the absence of adverse effects such as increased spasticity.

Organisations

English Federation of Disability Sport

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is the national charity in the UK that enables sporting organisations to support people with a disability to be active. Their vision is that people with a disability people are active for life, through two objectives:

1. Enhanced health and wellbeing for all disabled people
2. A more equal society in which disabled people can achieve more through increased opportunities and choice.

Cerebral Palsy Sport

Cerebral Palsy Sport is the United Kingdom National Disability Sport Organisation (NDSO) for Cerebral Palsy, whose vision is to support people with Cerebral Palsy to reach their life potential through sport and active recreation.

They promote and support inclusion of people with Cerebral Palsy and related neurological conditions, including children, young people and adults, to participate in sports including football, swimming, athletics, bowls, table cricket and adapted sports. They also offer support for parents, families, carers, therapists, teachers, coaches and other professionals on how to adapt sports and recreational activities for people with Cerebral Palsy.

Individual / Families Outcomes	• Enhanced health and well-being for people with cerebral palsy and other physical difficulties • Improving and enhancing confidence • Improving physical and emotional wellbeing • Reducing isolation of children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and their families • Building and retaining friendships • Having fun • Strengthening family and support systems
Organisational Outcomes	• Clear and effective application of insight, knowledge and research • Effective and productive engagement • A clear focus on the quality of what we deliver and reflect on our practises • Promoting our messages effectively to reach more people and celebrate our successes • Influencing and advocating the needs of people with Cerebral Palsy • Managing our services and resources effectively
Societal Outcomes	• Effective and productive engagement with communities and partners • To work towards a more equal society in which people with Cerebral Palsy can contribute to society • Raising a positive profile of people with Cerebral Palsy  • Contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of people with Cerebral Palsy and their families

References

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