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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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Conclusion


Obesity has been officially classified as a disease and is more prevalent in children with disabilities than those without. Physical activity is important for battling the risk of immediate and future health diseases that result from obesity. Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life, as well as the physiological, mental, and the psychosocial health of children with disabilities. An adapted exercise program, focused on five components of fitness (cardiovascular, strength, balance, flexibility, and functional motor skill exercise), should be incorporated with a healthy diet in this population. Motivation to exercise is especially important for children and can be increased by making activities fun, diverse, achievable, and/or performed in a social/group setting. Parents act as facilitators for children to perform physical activity. To get your child involved in a physically active lifestyle, ensure that you as a parent are active, and check out your local park district and nearby community centers that may offer classes and camps for children with special needs. Physical activity, particularly sport participation (Malina, 1996), should be promoted at a young age in children with disabilities to continue a physically active lifestyle across their lifespans.

 


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