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Activity for Children with Disabilities

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(Make sure all activities are safe and appropriate for your children. Consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise program.)

One of the main causes of overweight and obesity among children and teens is inactivity.  Children spend about 17 hours a week watching television and more sedentary hours playing computer and video games.  And children with disabilities watch an average of four more hours of TV every week, putting them more at risk for overweight and obesity.  Physical activity is equally, if not more, important for physically challenged children.

Physical activity helps the body…

• improves lung, heart, muscle function
• strengthens bones
• slows the progression of some conditions
• increases flexibility, mobility, coordination
• helps control weight
• decreases risk of diabetes and heart disease

Physical activity also…

• improves social skills and helps children make new friends
• decreases dependence on others for daily living
• improves self-esteem and feelings of well being

Tips to make sure your child has a safe and fun experience:

• Get medical clearance before your child participates; a physician can recommend activities best suited to your child.

• Make sure that the coaches or recreation assistants understand your child’s physical limitations and are prepared to deal with emergency situations.  (A child with multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy, for example, may be more prone to heat exhaustion and should be monitored for signs of overheating.) 

• Use specialized protective or adaptive equipment, as needed.

• Let children decide what type of activities they enjoy. Wheelchair sports, for example, suit a child who wants to exercise in a competitive setting and many wheelchair sports are available – basketball, softball, football, and fencing.  For a child who lacks a competitive nature, noncompetitive activities like swimming, rowing, or fishing might be better choices.

When involving a child with physical challenges, modifications are important:  

• Slow down the speed of the activity or game
• Consider making playing fields smaller
• Let players walk instead of run
• Add to the number of players on all teams
• Shorten playing time

Remember to get physician approval before your child begins a new activity, follow safety recommendations and be sure to involve your child in activities that they have fun doing so that they will want to stay active.