Benefits of a physio-led gym based exercise program for children with a disability:
Children with a disability are more likely to have a sedentary lifestyle and develop chronic disease conditions over their lifetime compared with their peers. This highlights the ongoing need for intervention assistance and promotion of healthy lifestyle choices including exercise and/or sport in children with a disability.
Exercise has proven benefits for all children including:
- Enhanced physical fitness
- Better weight control
- Increased bone density
- Improved motor skills
- Improved cognitive health
- Better psychological and emotional health
- Improved self-esteem
- Reduced risk of diseases linked to sedentary behaviour, such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Improved participation in exercise and health outcomes into the adult years.
Encouraging children with disabilities to participate in physical activity can help in a multitude of ways, including:
- Improving balance and endurance
- Improving their ability to concentrate
- Provide the stimulation required to assist with more complete development
- Promote integration with peers
- Increase their opportunities to socialise.
These benefits flow into every aspect of their lives, helping them to realise that, with practice and perseverance, their fears and physical limitations can be overcome. Moreover, as they grow and mature, regular physical activity can help support activities of daily living and provide them greater independence.
How will a physio-led individual or group based gym program help empower my child with a disability to be more physically active?
A gym based program run by a physiotherapist will safely introduce your child to exercise with considerations around the limitations their diagnosis places on their physical and mental ability. Your physio will liaise with your child’s gp, paediatrician and other providers if necessary, to determine what a safe program looks like for your child. The program will work on improving their strength, movement, balance and confidence with exercise. Over time, this will improve their ability and confidence to independently participate in adaptive and mainstream sports and regular exercise in the community.
Our physiotherapist Patrick, loves helping older children with a disability feel confident, happy and safe when exercising. He is excited to now be offering physio-led gym based programs here in Orange! Contact us today to put your name on the list.
