Physical activity is beneficial for children’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Children With Disabilities (CWD) are often at risk of being inactive due to their health conditions. This can further lead to a decline in their physical as well as mental health. However, this can be avoided with proper support from a caregiver or professional support staff. They can help children in various ways when it comes to doing physical activities.
Importance of Physical Exercise in Improving Physical Health:
Physical activity helps children with disabilities to improve their physical abilities and maintain good health. Here are some of the benefits physical activity can offer-
- Strengthen the bones, muscles, hearts, and lungs of youngsters
- Improve coordination, balance, posture, and flexibility in youngsters
- Aid youngsters in maintaining a healthy weight
- Strengthen the immune systems of youngsters
- Reduce the incidence of hypertension, anxiety, depression, and type 2 diabetes in children
Importance of Physical Activity in Improving Mental Health
Physical activity also has many positive impacts on the mental health of children. Physically active children are more likely to:
- Have self-assurance, good self-esteem, and a sense of belonging
- Be more independent
- Feel calm and sleep soundly
- Have improved concentration and recall
- Simpler to get along with others and create acquaintances
- Cooperate, take turns, and share
Types of Physical Activity for Children With Disabilities
Children with disabilities have the right to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities. Numerous community and sporting activities have adopted the participation of youngsters who are dealing with significant disabilities. Physical activity involves any bodily movements, encompassing both ordinary daily activities as well as organised sports and exercises.
There are various types of physical activities suitable for children, including –
- Light Physical Activity – Breathing and heart rate do not vary dramatically when a kid engages in light physical activity. These activities are low-intensity and include standing, walking slowly, wheeling a wheelchair, and playing an instrument.
- Moderate Physical Activity – These activities cause moderate changes in breathing and heart rate. Moderate-level activities cause youngsters to exhale moderately while vigorous walking, brisk wheelchair wheeling, dancing, weight training, and swimming.
- Vigorous Physical Activity – Vigorous activities raise the heart rate and cause heavy breathing. Games and hobbies such as cycling (including hand cycling), soccer, wheelchair sports, and various types of dancing come under this level.
- Strengthening Activity – Strengthening activities aid in growing muscles and bones. These activities are designed to challenge a child’s muscles to work harder and exert additional tension on bones. Climbing, weight training, and bodyweight exercises such as lunges, squats, sit-to-stand exercises, or seated push-ups utilising chair arms are examples of strengthening activities.
After knowing what the different types of physical activities are, determining which one is safe and beneficial for your child is essential. It is recommended to consult with your child’s paediatrician, physiotherapist, or healthcare provider to help you understand suitable sports or workouts for your kid. They can provide valuable insights into what types of physical activities are appropriate for your child’s specific needs and health condition.
Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children:
Engaging in physical activities can provide numerous health benefits to children. Here are six health benefits of physical activity for children with disabilities.
1. Increases Physical and Mental Equilibrium
Children participating in sports can help release tension, create adrenaline, and cultivate self-control. Physical exercises help them channel their energy, which is essential for overall expected growth. It also helps build strong muscles and provides endurance leading to great muscular fitness.
2. Encourages Socialisation and Integration
Physical activities create opportunities for kids with disabilities to meet new people and connect with them based on age or choice. Participating in sports improves brain health and reduces the risk of depression. These activities allow children to socialise and integrate better with others and feel a sense of belonging in a community.
3. Enhances the Capacity for Focused Attention
Physical activities assist children with disabilities in harnessing their physical energy and enhancing their mental effort in day-to-day activities. According to several specialists, the practice of physical activities improves their academic achievement and school performance. It also increases the attention span and enhances memory, inspiring better academic performance.
4. Stimulating and Motivating
Any physical activity generates motivation for both learning and performing the exercise, cultivating perseverance, strength, and the ability to achieve, which are fundamental to all sports. This form of education positively impacts the daily lives of children with disabilities, enhancing their overall well-being and reducing stress.
5. Encourages Teamwork
The practice of intrusive exercise needs active engagement with others, both individually and collectively. It provides opportunities for children with disabilities to learn how to collaborate and achieve common goals.
6. Leaves a Good Impact on Daily Life.
The advantages of physical fitness for children with impairments are not restricted to playgrounds and gymnasiums. Children are better equipped to acquire initiative and conquer their everyday worries when they engage in a cycle of continuous learning. All these activities improve heart and lung health, promoting overall fitness and energy levels.
Physical activity accelerates the development of physical and mental capabilities in children. The health benefits of physical activities are many and parents should not hesitate to encourage their kids to engage in tasks that match their abilities.
Children’s Disability Care
If you are looking for a safe and supportive environment for your child to participate in physical activity, Excel Care Group can be the perfect solution for you. As an NDIS-registered service provider in Australia, they are devoted to delivering quality services centred on the individual needs of clients and their families. With their trained support staff, you get practical care and assistance to children with disabilities (CWD) in your homes, hospitals, or supported housing.
They also provide a comprehensive range of services that cater to different care needs, including personal care, home care, respite care, etc. Feel free to contact a team of experts to learn more about their programs and services. You can call on 1300 392 352 / 03 9117 0288 or email at [email protected] to schedule a consultation.