Chapter 38: Exercise, Sports and Recreation

Debbie Philips KIN 583

Recommendations

Exercise for children under 12 years = 60 minutes.

Out of those 60 minutes, 10-15 should be moderate to vigorous.

(U.S. Public Health Service, 2000)

People with Disabilities

People with disabilities tend to engage in much less activity time.

39% of children with disabilities were physically active compared to the 64% of their peers without disabilities. (Wilson – 2002)

Since these findings, there has been an increased interest in incorporating exercise, sports and recreation into the lives of children with disabilities.

Recreational Activity

Promote fitness, endurance, coordination and self-esteem.

Maximizes muscle and bone growth, improves strength, increases lean muscle mass, reduces body fat and prevents or reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Recreational Activity

Provides the opportunity for children with developmental disabilities to be included in their broader community.

Develops Social Skills, Self-Esteem and relationships with peers.

Physical Activity in Children with Disabilities

Developmental Disabilities carry varying challenges for Participation in Physical Activity.

(Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida)

Lack of participation in Physical Activity may cause more health problems.

(Osteoporosis, Obesity).

Physical Activity in Children with Disabilities

Physical Activity in Children with Disabilities

Inclusion of the Child with Disabilities in exercise and sports programs in schools

IDEA 2004 – PE be a part of free appropriate public education and should be incorporated into educational curriculum for students with a disability as part of the individualized education plan.

To prevent any exclusion – GOALS and OBJECTIVES should be included in the IEP.

These should be developmentally appropriate for the children and include adapted techniques when needed.

Inclusion of the Child with Disabilities in exercise and sports programs in schools

Adapted PE programs are those that have the same objectives as general PE but involve adjustments in the regular program to meet the needs and abilities of students with disabilities.

Some examples include: modifying equipment, modifying the rules of the game, providing peer assistance, modifying the environment (field or court).

The purpose of the modifications is to allow the child to be included in the general PE class with peers who do not have disabilities to the greatest extent possible.

Community Sports Programs

1948 was the first organized sporting event for people with disabilities. Dr. Ludwig Guttman incorporated wheelchair sports into rehabilitation of war veterans.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – prohibited discrimination in recreation programs on the basis of disability.

The American Disabilities Act of 1990 opened the doors for the nondiscriminatory participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life, including recreational activities.

Community Sports Programs

Options for participation – Inclusion or specialized sports programs for children with disabilities.

More programs are taking place throughout community centers and parks an recreational centers. (adapted swimming, adapted sports programs, adapted playgrounds, wheelchair accessible playgrounds, ball ramps for bowling)

Community Sports Programs

National Organizations with local affiliates.

Many are under one direction of the United States Olympic Committee.

Certain Organization address specific disabilities and others are sport specific.

Athletes with disabilities are grouped according to functional skill rather than to medical diagnosis.

Community Sports Programs

The international Paralympic committee criteria states that a person is eligible to participate if he or she cannot participate on reasonably equal terms in a sport for people without disabilities because of functional disadvantage due to a permanent disability.

Special Olympics is for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Community Sports Programs

Since 1996, BlazeSports Program.

Organized specifically for children with Physical Disabilities.

Program supports Tennis and Basketball Teams.

Runs as a Traditional community-based organization. Competition increase as children grow older.

Pre-participation Examination

The purpose is for the physician to recommend prevention measure and/or adapted activities based on developmental skills and physical challenges.

Essential component of illness and injury prevention.

Uncover conditions that may be problematic or hazardous to the athlete.

Pre-participation Examination

Provide good information in choosing an appropriate sport.

Must take a close look at Primary and Secondary disabilities.

Should have an examination once a year.

Documentation should be clear with any changes- weight, allergies, medications, emotional or behavioral problems.

Sport Injuries in the Athlete with Disabilities

Many injuries are the same as those non-disabled athletes.

Disabled athletes have a difficult time describing the incident or injury.

Children with certain developmental disabilities and physical impairments are at greater risk for specific sport injuries.

Sport Injuries in the Athlete with Disabilities

Spina Bifida or Spinal Cord injury may not be able to perceive pain in an injured area.

Spinal Cord Lesions above the T6 – problems with autonomic dysreflexia – poor thermoregulation and altered blood pressure.

Cerebral Palsy – increased risk for ligament sprains and muscle strains.

Down Syndrome – cervical spine, congenital heart disease and orthopedic issues.

Wheelchair athletes – injuries related to the extensive use of their upper extremities.

Non-Physical Recreation

WordNet play is defined as “an activity that diverts, amuses or stimulates, that refreshes and renews health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation.”

Play can take forms in both physically active and sedentary.

Either can be stimulating for a child with a disability.

Activities can include trips and attractions, going to a restaurant or participating in music or art classes.

SUMMARY

Sport and recreational activities are important to promote physical and emotional health.

An effective exercise or sports program can improve weight control, increase socialization, increase self-esteem and improve relationships with peers in the community.

RESOURSES

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

American Association of Adapted Sports Programs

Disabled Sports USA

Girl Scouts USA

International Committee of Sports for the Deaf

Little League Baseball/Challenger Division

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

RESOURSES

Special Olympics International

United States Association of the Blind

The National Sports Center for the Disabled

Wheelchair Sports USA

Yoga for the Special Child

International Paralympic Games

BlazeSports Programs