Exercise plays a crucial role in childhood development. From improved bone and muscle health to balance and coordination, better attention and decision making skills, and boosting their self-esteem and confidence children should not be held back from being physically active because of any condition, disability or injury. In fact, exercise can play an important role in the treatment and/or management of these conditions, improving their overall quality of life.

Every child, regardless of their disability or ability, should engage in regular physical activity or exercise. It is recommended that children and adolescents engage in at least 60-minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise every day. Sadly, a large number of Australian children are not meeting these guidelines and are often exceeding the recommended 2 hours of screen time per day. These numbers being notably worse in children with a disability due to poor self-esteem and social interactions, screens being used for behaviour management and restrictive patterns of behaviour, as well as physical limitations.

We recognise that each child and their condition comes with individual traits and complexities and so it is important that these children are supported to exercise appropriately for their situation. An Exercise Physiologist is able to provide expert care and exercise prescription for any child’s condition and physical activity needs.

Exercising right for kids with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

These children often find it difficult to interact in social contexts and experience repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests which can often impact their participation in physical activity and leading to more sedentary behaviours. It is this behaviour which can put them at risk of developing secondary health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and obesity.

When children engage in physical activity or exercise, the movement stimulates the brain and improves the production and function of neurotransmitters, such a dopamine, which is involved with attention and focus. Research has shown that appropriate exercise interventions led to a 37% improvement in symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, specifically behavioural and academic improvement and can naturally stimulate the brain in a similar way to medications commonly used for management of ADHD.

Exercising right for kids with Physical Disabilities

Carefully prescribed and supervised exercise can help a child with a physical disability in a number of ways. Exercise will help a child build strength and coordination for independence, reduce the risk of developing secondary chronic health conditions, build their self-confidence and improve mental health.

When working with a child or person with a disability there are often a number of factors to be considered. By enlisting the support of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist you can be assured that they will be able to take in to consideration these physical, emotional and social factors and design and implement appropriate exercise or physical activity interventions which are, first and foremost FUN, but also working towards improving physical capacity, independence and health.