How Exercise can Help Overcome Cerebral Palsy Challenges

Exercise can play a powerful role in supporting people with cerebral palsy by improving movement, strength, confidence, and independence when guided appropriately.

How exercise can help overcome cerebral palsy challenges

Cerebral palsy affects millions of people worldwide and can sometimes feel like it limits independence and everyday participation. However, exercise can be a powerful tool in helping people overcome many of the challenges associated with cerebral palsy.

When prescribed appropriately, exercise can help improve strength, mobility, and overall health. It can also build confidence, support independence, and create a greater sense of achievement.

This article explores how exercise can help people living with cerebral palsy, whether you are an individual with cerebral palsy, a parent or partner, or an NDIS support coordinator supporting someone in your care.

Understanding cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Symptoms vary widely and may include:

• Difficulty with movement and coordination

• Muscle tightness or spasticity

• Challenges with fine motor skills

• Difficulties with speech and communication

Daily life can present physical, emotional, and social challenges. Exercise can help address many of these by improving physical capacity, increasing confidence, and supporting a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Benefits of exercise for people with cerebral palsy

When guided appropriately, exercise can offer a wide range of benefits.

Improving physical strength and mobility

Exercise helps build muscle strength and increase range of motion. This can reduce physical limitations, support safer movement, and improve independence in daily activities.

Enhancing overall health and wellbeing

Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of secondary conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. For people with cerebral palsy, exercise can play an important role in long-term health and wellbeing.

Boosting confidence and independence

Exercise can provide a strong sense of achievement and progress. This often leads to increased confidence, greater independence, reduced isolation, and an improved quality of life.

Types of exercise used for cerebral palsy

Exercise programs for people with cerebral palsy are highly individualised and may include a combination of the following:

• Aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming to improve cardiovascular fitness

• Resistance training using weights, machines, or resistance bands to build strength and support functional movement

• Balance and coordination exercises such as yoga or tai chi to improve stability and body awareness

• Stretching and flexibility exercises to reduce muscle tightness, manage spasticity, and improve range of motion

• Adaptive sports and activities including adaptive yoga, dance, or wheelchair sports to provide engaging and enjoyable movement options

Is exercise safe for people with cerebral palsy?

Yes - when exercise is appropriately prescribed and supervised.

Programs are designed to match individual ability, medical history, and goals. Exercise intensity and progression are carefully managed to support improvement without pushing beyond safe limits.

Exercise physiology and cerebral palsy

Better by Miles Accredited Exercise Physiologists are NDIS registered practitioners with over 10 years of experience working with people with cerebral palsy.

Programs are designed to be:

• Individualised

• Evidence-based

• Progressive and safe

• Aligned with NDIS goals and daily function

Exercise therapy can support people with cerebral palsy at all ages and stages, helping improve physical capacity, confidence, and participation in everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

Can exercise improve mobility in cerebral palsy?

Yes. Exercise can improve strength, coordination, and movement efficiency, which may support better mobility and daily function.

Is exercise suitable for all types of cerebral palsy?

Exercise can be beneficial across many presentations of cerebral palsy. Programs are always tailored to the individual’s abilities and needs.

Can exercise help with confidence and independence?

Absolutely. Progress through exercise often improves confidence, self-belief, and independence in daily activities.

Is exercise covered under the NDIS?

Exercise physiology is commonly funded under NDIS plans when aligned with functional goals.

How we can help at Better by Miles:

If you or someone in your care is living with cerebral palsy, guided exercise therapy may help support strength, movement, and independence.

Contact our team to discuss individualised exercise therapy options tailored to your needs.

To book a consultation with our friendly team, visit here.