Community Resources: Sports and Active Recreation for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Participation in routine physical activity is important for health promotion and prevention of chronic health conditions. Sports and active recreation are activities that are carried out during leisure time and encourage movement and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participating in sports and active recreation can be beneficial on several levels for children and youth with CP. At the body function and structure level of the ICF, improvements in fitness and endurance have been documented for children and youth with CP. At the activity and participation level of the ICF, improvements in functional mobility, sports skills, and social participation have also been observed. Even with these documented benefits, children and youth with CP participate less in sports and active recreation due to numerous barriers. Healthcare professionals can assist with decreasing barriers to facilitate increased participation. Healthcare professionals should introduce the concept of adaptive sports and active recreation participation to children with CP and their families at an early age. They can facilitate participation by providing resources about adaptive programs and adaptive sports equipment and assisting with sports activity modifications. Healthcare professionals have the expertise to consult with children with CP, their families, and sports coaches or to develop adaptive programs using their knowledge of medical and rehabilitation needs, motor learning and task modification strategies, and adaptive equipment. Information on adaptive sports resources are provided in this chapter