Encouraging children to be active when they are young will help to establish routines that can stay with them throughout their life
Physical activity helps:
- improve fitness, balance and co-ordination
- maintain and develop flexibility
- increase muscle strength and improve posture
- help achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- improve mood, help with relaxation and reduce stress
- help with constipation
- provide opportunities for friendships, independence and improved self-esteem.
Physical activity for younger children with spina bifida
Physical activity for younger children with spina bifida can include:
- swimming
- crawling through tunnels or over a mat or pillow
- hitting a large beach ball
- batting a suspended ball with a small plastic racquet
- squeezing sponges in the bath
- playing with water pistols or water spray bottles
- push ups lying on their tummy
- playing wheelbarrow.
Physical activity for older children with spina bifida
Physical activity for older children with spina bifida can include:
- pushing their wheelchair over a distance
- sports such as basketball and tennis
- walking the dog
- swimming
- using a bike with hand pedals
- rowing, canoeing and paddling
Strength exercises, contact sports and electronic media
Parents should encourage their children to include muscle strengthening exercises at least two days each week as part of their physical activity routine.
Contact sports such as football, and activities that involve extreme extension of the back and neck such as gymnastics should be avoided.
Children should not spend more than two hours a day using electronic media for entertainment, particularly during daylight hours.