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A Study on Physical Exercise and General Mobility in People with Cerebral Palsy: Health through Costless Routines
Alberto J Molina-Cantero1, Manuel Merino-Monge1, Juan A Castro-García1
1Departamento de Tecnología Electrónica, E.T.S.I. Informática, Campus de Reina Mercedes, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 10, 2021
Summary
Regular physical activity (RPA) offers significant health and motor benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Accessible and low-cost exercises are effective in improving well-being, regardless of intensity or duration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sedentary behavior (SB) poses health risks for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), exacerbating motor function decline, increasing body fat, and causing muscle stiffness.
- Regular physical activity (RPA) is crucial for mitigating these risks and preserving motor function in the CP population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current practice of RPA among individuals with CP in Seville.
- To explore the relationship between functional classification (ICF, GMFCS) and attitudes towards physical activity.
- To review the literature on RPA and low-cost equipment for CP.
Main Methods:
- Data collection from 40 participants (children, teenagers, adults) at two specialist centers.
- Analysis of mobility and communication difficulties.
- Assessment of physical activity levels and attitudes towards exercise.
- Literature review on RPA and low-cost interventions for CP.
Main Results:
- Approximately 60% of participants had moderate to severe mobility issues, and 38% had communication challenges.
- Most participants engaged in light-intensity physical activity 1-2 times weekly with a generally positive attitude.
- A higher ICF score correlated with more negative responses to exercise in one center, while GMFCS levels showed varied engagement in another.
- Literature confirms RPA's benefits across various intensities and durations.
Conclusions:
- RPA provides substantial health and motor benefits for individuals with CP, irrespective of intensity or duration.
- Accessible activities like walking, running, sports, and exercises using low-cost equipment are effective.
- Low-cost interventions, including elastic bands, smartwatches, video games, and animal-assisted therapy, are suitable for promoting RPA in CP.
