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Cerebral Palsy
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is most commonly caused by a lack of oxygen just before, during or after birth. It can also be caused by premature birth, exposure to infections and accidents such as near drowning, and so on, generally up to two years of age.
CP refers to weakness, paralysis or lack of muscle control originating in the brain. It is a disorder of muscle control resulting in weakness, stiffness, awkwardness, slowness, shakiness and difficulty with balance ranging from mild to severe forms.
There are three main types of CP:
- Spastic
- Athetoid
- Ataxic
CEREBRAL PALSY book.pdfHow RDA benefits riders with Cerebral Palsy
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SYMPTOM
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RDA BENEFIT
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Weakness, paralysis or lack of muscle control
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Muscles are strengthened by increased use involved in riding.
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Poor balance
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The three-dimensional rhythmic movement of the horse is similar to the motion of walking, teaching rhythmical patterns to the muscles of the legs and trunk. Placing the client in different positions on the horse works different sets of muscles.
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Poor coordination
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Riding a horse requires a great deal of coordination in order to get the desired response from the horse. Repetition of patterned movements required in controlling a horse quickens reflexes and aids in motor planning.
Eye and hand coordination is taught in grooming and preparing the horse, among other activities.
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Easily fatigued
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Even though riding is exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, therefore the rider has increased tolerance and motivation to lengthen the period of exercise.
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High muscle tone
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The warmth of the horse and the gentle movement of riding relaxes tight muscles and allows for stretching.
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Concentration
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Programs include educational concepts, learning numbers, colours, shapes, patterns and sequencing. Memory and concentration can be improved through playing games.
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Social isolation
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Group lessons provide riders with the opportunity to join in with their peers and develop friendships.
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Psychological benefits
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Adaptive equipment helps riders to participate in a sport to the best of their ability. This includes competition opportunities. Learning to control the horse and other skills provide riders with a sense of achievement.
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Gage's Story
One volunteer holds the pony, two volunteers support Gage and a fourth volunteer holds the umbrella!
This is a normal horse riding lesson for Gage, who can barely sit up unaided, due to his severe Cerebral Palsy.
When he first came to RDA all he could do was lie on his back on the pony. He had to be shaded by an umbrella to keep the sun out of his eyes.
Now he sits up. He can’t wear a hat, so he still needs an extra volunteer to carry an umbrella for him. He places his right hand across his left breast when he wants to say “happy”.