Journal Article

Exercise in Children with Disabilities

Conlee, Erin M., Rabatin, Amy E., Driscoll, Sherilyn W., Laskowski, Edward R., Brandenburg, Joline E., Landry, Bradford W., Prideaux, Cara C.

2019

Overview

Purpose of Review The goal of this paper is to review the role and importance of exercise in the overall health and fitness of children with disabilities and to identify unique considerations in specific populations. Recent Findings Exercise and activity are known to be of critical importance to the health and well-being of typically developing children and adolescents. Children with disabling conditions are not immune to the obesity epidemic and even less likely to participate in structured or recreational activities than their typically developing peers. Although barriers to participation exist, studies largely support the same physiologic benefits of exercise in children with medical conditions and disabilities as those without. Providers must be aware of exercise precautions and restrictions specific to children with certain diagnoses. Furthermore, children with disabilities may need additional supports, accommodations, and individualization to facilitate participation. Future research should address activity guidelines for children with specific diagnoses as well as means of engaging children and adolescents with disabilities to participate in exercise. Summary Physical activity and exercise have been proven to be beneficial, safe, and effective for children and adolescents with disabilities, though some individuals will require special precautions for safety or adaptations to permit participation.

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Cerebral palsy / Cross-sectional studies / Exercise / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Obesity / Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (A Houtrow and M Fuentes / Rehabilitation Medicine / Section Editors / Topical Collection on Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine / Traumatic brain injury / Well being