Cerebral Palsy is a life-long physical disability that affects a person’s movement and posture. It is the most common physical disability in childhood and approximately 34,000 people live with cerebral palsy in Australia. Cerebral palsy occurs due to an injury to the developing brain during pregnancy or birth, however in most cases the cause of this is unknown.

Unfortunately there is no cure for cerebral palsy. Therefore, exercise plays a crucial role in managing the condition, as it can help maintain or improve mobility, strength, posture, endurance and function.

How can Cerebral Palsy affect the body?

Cerebral palsy (cerebral = brain, palsy = loss of muscle control) can be further classified into different types depending on the movement characteristic affected (motor type) and the part of the body affected.

Motor Types:

• Spastic: (70-80% cases) increased muscle stiffness/tightness (“muscle tone”); movements appears stiff and jerky.
• Dyskinetic: involuntary or uncontrolled movements.
• Ataxic: difficulties with balance and coordination; movements can be shaky.
• Mixed: more than one of the above types.

Affected Body Areas:

• Hemiplegia: one side of the body is affected.
• Diplegia: both legs are affected; arms may be affected to a smaller degree.
• Quadriplegia: both arms and legs affected; face muscles can also be affected.

Depending on the severity of cerebral palsy, this can lead to physical impairments or abnormalities in muscle strength, muscle length, joint stability, muscle tone, balance, coordination, fitness or pain experience. This can then result in difficulties with everyday activities such as walking, stair climbing, dressing, eating, writing or sports participation.

So what will exercise do?

Exercise is one of the key treatments strongly recommended for people with cerebral palsy as it minimises the effect of physical impairments and helps maintain or improve the body’s physical function. This may include (but is not limited to) mobility exercises, strength training, walking training, cardiovascular fitness and balance/coordination exercises. Recreational and/or sporting activities are also encouraged not only to help stay active, but because they may have positive benefits in social interaction and mental wellbeing.

Why is exercise important in patients with cerebral palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a life-long physical disability that affects a person’s movement and posture. It is the most common physical disability in childhood and approximately 34,000 people live with cerebral palsy in Australia. Cerebral palsy occurs due to an injury to the developing brain during pregnancy or birth, however in most cases the cause of this is unknown.

Unfortunately there is no cure for cerebral palsy. Therefore, exercise plays a crucial role in managing the condition, as it can help maintain or improve mobility, strength, posture, endurance and function.

How can we help?

Everyone with cerebral palsy will not only have different physical needs, but also distinct individual goals. At UniquePhysio, our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can assist in designing an exercise program that is specific to you so that you can become the best version of yourself. Book with us today if you live with Cerebral Palsy and require support in improving your health and function!