Children with cerebral palsy do not have to be excluded from summer fun with friends and family, and one way to get the kids in the neighborhood together for an inclusive activity is to go swimming. After all, who doesn’t love swimming in the dog days of summer? 

Children with CP can greatly benefit from swimming with proper supervision by a caregiver or therapist, and with flotation devices, if necessary.

“Because we are more buoyant in water, the effects of gravity decline, providing ideal conditions for those with cerebral palsy to stretch and extend muscles and joints with less resistance than one would experience out of the water,” said Dr. David Siambanes, founder of Children’s Cerebral Palsy. “More freedom of movement when swimming means a larger range of motion that can actually help those with CP make progress in their maneuverability.” 

Swimming also has fantastic rehabilitative qualities for those with CP. A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that for children ages five through 13 with CP who swam for two hours per week gained gross motor function in just six weeks. 

Children with CP also benefit from the overall health effects of swimming, which is a cardiovascular workout that also builds muscle strength. 

Through swimming and other physical activities, kids with CP — and all of us — can improve metabolic rates, increase blood circulation and joint range of motion, improve bone density, fend off anxiety and stress, and boost our energy levels. 

For more information on swimming and other physical activities that can benefit those with Cerebral Palsy, contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy today!