2 Pager: Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

“a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that
occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain”

Answer 1

Cerebral Palsy

Question 2

T/F: CP can not be caught or cured. It affects no two people in the same way.

Answer 2

true

Question 3

Causes of CP can be?

Answer 3

congenital, genetic, inflammatory, infectious, anoxic, traumatic, and metabolic

Question 4

What is the most important risk factor for CP?

Answer 4

low birth weight - risk increases with decreasing gestational age

Question 5

CP in canada?

Answer 5

1 in 400 births

Question 6

In CP, a lack of oxygen to the developing central nervous system can damage brain structures such as the motor cortex and descending motor tracts, as well as the basal ganglia and cerebellum. What happens due to this motor damage?

Answer 6

neural transmission to muscles is impaired - depending on exact loaction, individuals with CP can experience spasticity, athetosis and ataxia

Question 7

Motor disorders can affect what parts of the body in CP?

Answer 7

right or left side (hemiplegia), only the legs (diplegia), both legs and an arm (triplegia) or all 4 limbs (quadraplegia)

Question 8

What has regular resistance training been shown to improve?

Answer 8

• ROM
• strengthening of weak muscles
• decrease spasticity
• reduce tremor

Question 9

Barriers to Participation?

Answer 9

Physical space of activity

• transportation
• access to building
• available equip

Social Exclusion

Question 10

4 considerations for PA and Programming?

Answer 10

1. 30% of CP have cognitive impairments - simple instructions!
2. Lack energy - breaks to prevent fatigue
3. Focus on CR fitness and muscle strength for major groups
4. Non-competitive to reduce intimidation

Question 11

Specific organizations?

Answer 11

Canadian Cerebral Palsy Association and Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association