Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review

Physical activity (PA) is necessary for optimum physical and psychosocial health of the general population. It has been suggested that it is even more important for children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who struggle with impairments that interfere with activities of daily living and limit participation in sports (Fowler, Knutson, et al., 2007). According to the World Health Organization, adolescents and young adults with and without disabilities who are physically active have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance and strength, reduced body fat, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression (WHO, 2010, p. 20). The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature in order to determine what is known about …show more content…
It depicts a group of non-progressive disorders that affect motor function and posture resulting from injury to the fetal or infant brain. Spastic CP is the most common and involves increased stiffness in the lower extremities, minimal involvement in the upper extremities and trunk weakness (O 'Neil et al., 2006). CP is often accompanied by other disorders such as communication, behavior, or seizures (Verschuren et al., 2007). Even though it is a non-progressive disorder, changes can occur for various reasons and adolescents have reported a decrease in the amount of walking and a lower level on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) compared to their childhood years (Maggs et al., 2011; Palisano, Copeland, & Galuppi, …show more content…
According to physical therapist, Robert Palisano, mobility is important to adolescents with CP because it spells “freedom” (Palisano et al., 2006). However, teens with CP are less physically active compared to typically developing peers (C. F. Nooijen et al., 2014). Nooijen also makes the point that this stage has a strong impact on adult lifestyle and so is an ideal time for PA interventions (C. Nooijen et al.,