Live without Limits Blog > December 2019 > The Importance of Physical Activity for Children With Disabilities

The Importance of Physical Activity for Children With Disabilities

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Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and is incredibly beneficial to physical and mental wellbeing. Sometimes, children with disabilities find certain types of exercise difficult or disability-exclusive, but there are options that make physical activity accessible (and fun) for children of all ages and abilities. With the help of adaptive sports and activities, children with disabilities can be included in exercise and can reap the social, emotional, and physiological rewards of an active lifestyle.

Heart, Lungs and Weight Management

Obesity and overweight are growing problems in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Children who are overweight are often at a higher risk of developing associated illnesses and diseases, and they are more likely to experience obesity as adults. When children with disabilities are introduced to exercise and sports at a young age, they are able to develop strong, healthy exercise habits. This can help them to maintain a healthy weight as they grow into adulthood, and it can also be hugely beneficial to their cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Muscular and Skeletal

Regular exercise helps children of all abilities to develop strong muscles, bones, and coordination skills, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Children with disabilities may initially struggle with sports and activities that put strain on their muscles or bones, but there are many forms of exercise – for instance, swimming or water aerobics – that demand lower physical endurance while still providing the benefits of exercise. For children who experience joint swelling and associated pain, careful, medically-guided exercise programs can be helpful in reducing inflammation and managing some symptoms.

Mental and Social Wellbeing

Physical activity is an important factor in regulating mental and emotional wellbeing. Children who exercise regularly are often better able to focus at school and have improved cognitive function. Exercise triggers the release of feel-good endorphins, like serotonin, in the brain. This can help to reduce stress and lower the risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise is a wonderful opportunity for children with disabilities to build social connections. By engaging with other children in an athletic capacity, children can develop strong friendships, which is helpful in improving confidence and reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

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Barriers to Exercise for Children With Disabilities

Risk and liability concerns, perceived incapabilities, lack of necessary equipment or support, high costs, and under-educated programmers can all be barriers to exercise for children with disabilities. However, there are some activity providers that specialise in adapted exercise programming, and many schools and doctors are able to help with the formation of a healthy exercise routine.

Types of Exercise

Swimming and Water Aerobics

Swimming and other water-based activities can be a brilliant way of introducing exercise to children who experience difficulties with physical mobility. Water buoyancy can help to reduce mobility barriers, enabling children with disabilities to engage in activities that work to improve their musculoskeletal and cardiovascular strength. There are many options when it comes to water sports. Children can swim, take part in water aerobics, or seek hydrotherapy treatment, which utilises warm water pools in a therapeutic setting.

Horseback Riding

Horseriding is often a fan favourite among children, and it’s fantastic for improving core stability, balance, and posture. Engaging muscles, motor planning, reflexes, and coordination, horseriding can be a great option for children who require muscular exercise or rehabilitation. Beyond the mental and social benefits of mainstream exercise, horseriding includes contact with animals, which many children enjoy. Services such as Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia can cater to children with a range of disabilities, offering riding, vaulting, carriage driving, hippotherapy, and dressage options depending on a child’s needs and abilities.

Basketball, Rugby, Football

Basketball, rugby and football enable children to become a part of a sporting team, which can have a number of positive social and emotional effects. With minor adaptations, these sports can be great options for children with many different kinds of disabilities. Wheelchair basketball, rugby and football clubs offer inclusive environments where children can get active and share a love of sport with their peers.

Tennis

Tennis is an incredibly popular sport and a fantastic adaptable activity. Blind Sports Victoria offers tennis programs to children who are visually impaired. Deaf Tennis Australia provides tennis options for deaf and hard of hearing players, and there are a number of wheelchair tennis programs available around the country, along with programs for children who live with Autism or intellectual disabilities.  

Wii Sports

Children who are fans of video games are often enthusiastic when exercise can incorporate tech games. Wii Sports programs can help children to take part in physical activities that may otherwise be inaccessible to them. Easily set up in a child’s home, Wii Sports are adaptable, self-guided, and inclusive. Children’s grip can be assisted by the controller strap, and mobility requirements can be accounted for. Wii Sports games can serve as an introduction to athletic participation, which can later be transferred to non-digital sports.

Yoga or Tai Chi

Yoga has become a popular exercise choice for both children and adults who live with disabilities. Yoga is incredibly adaptable and can be individually tailored as needed. Level of participation can be self-led and flexible. Yoga can help to improve muscle and core strength, bodily control and awareness, and relaxation. Similarly, tai chi can be a brilliant option for children who struggle with fast-paced exercise activities. Tai chi is a slow, controlled form of physical exercise that works on individual muscle groups.

Exercise is essential to overall wellbeing. For more information on exercise options and support services for children with disabilities, visit: