Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital physiotherapist Victoria Matter uses colourful toys to start a session with a patient before focusing on targeted movement and physical exercises.
It’s vital for children with physical disabilities to stay active, says Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital physiotherapist Leigh Botha.
“Not only is activity great for physical development, but it helps boost self-esteem and helps develop a positive body image in addition to improving their long-term health and lowering the risk of chronic disease,” says Ms Botha, who, along with the hospital’s other physiotherapists, works with children and their families to identify movement and functional difficulties.
They give advice on exercises and activities children can do with their family, she says.
The hospital marked World Day of Physical Activity on Thursday April 6, and patients spoke about the importance of leading an active lifestyle despite having conditions such as cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis.
Sofia*, 8, says she loves playing cricket and swimming with her brother, and she also makes a lot of friends by staying active. “I can play with them, and it makes me happy. I can’t run or jump like them, but we find ways to play.”
Sofia has been visiting the hospital since she was 2. She was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, the most common form of cerebral palsy. The condition is caused by increased muscle tone which leads to difficult or unusual movements. The patient’s legs are most affected causing a “scissor walk” due to tightness in the hip and leg muscles.
Sofia dreams of becoming a doctor someday so that she can help children the way that Ms Botha does.
Another children’s hospital patient, Jordan*, 13, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was two months old, says, “Be active! It helps you mentally. It is a feeling that you cannot describe.”
Ms Botha says Jordan needs physical activity to improve her cardiorespiratory endurance.
“This means strengthening her heart muscles and improving her lung capacity so that she has sufficient energy and oxygen to play and participate at school and at home.”
Exercise is an important part of Jordan’s life because it aids in keeping her lungs clear of secretions.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. The condition affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. Secreted fluids in a person without cystic fibrosis are normally thin and slippery, but in people with the condition, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick causing tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas to become plugged up.
Jordan’s mother, Jennifer, says, “I was scared and thought that there was no hope for her illness. I did not know what cystic fibrosis was, but the staff at the hospital is still amazing and have supported us since day one.
“I am extremely proud of my daughter for embracing her illness and not letting it get her down. Her positive attitude towards life is so remarkable.”
Ms Botha says if Jordan was not active, her endurance would decrease further. “She would also get ill more often without effective airway clearance, which will lead to more time off school and more hospital visits.”
* Names have been changed