Cerebral Palsy

Contrary to many popularly held beliefs Cerebral palsy is not a disease or illness. It is a brain lesion. It is non-fatal, non-contagious, non-progressive but incurable. This brain lesion causes many different results depending on the severity, for example it may affect a player’s co-ordination or tone and strength of muscles which will effect movement to varying degrees. As brain damage is the cause, and generally this occurs prior to or during birth or in infancy or childhood, each individual will develop differently, so the range of the impairment varies greater with players. Some players will have partial or total paralysis of a limb or limbs. Movement will be severely restricted for some players while others may have posture concerns. As with any condition that involves balance or co-ordination there is a much higher risk of injury. Some individuals may have difficulty in co-ordinating and integrating basic movement patterns and associated conditions such as epilepsy, speech and language disorders, poor hand-eye control and co-ordination or a combination of all of these.

Cerebral Palsy may result in players suffering cramp and or exhaustion. They can be very sensitive to hypothermia or hyperthermia and dehydration which have to be monitored closely. Respiratory difficulties as well as visual and hearing impairments and sometimes learning difficulties are not uncommon. As a coach working with ’CP’ as it is commonly termed you will need to be aware of the following:

• If possible meet the player prior to your session to learn as much about the condition as possible.
• If you are unsure – ask questions – how else will you gain more knowledge to ensure the Health and Safety of all your group?
• Do they suffer from dehydration, cramp or exhaustion, and if they do what trigger will they have for letting you know this? Will you need to give them more drink breaks or rest periods?
• Does the player require support – perhaps from a relative or friend – during your session? Are they fully conversant with their duties?
• Are there any other conditions that they may have as a result of Cerebral Palsy? Many players with Cerebral Palsy may have epilepsy, so you will have to ask how they deal with seizures. Others may have a speech impediment or even learning difficulties so you will need more information on these.
• Allow extra time after instructions, the nature of CP does not allow muscles to respond quickly to brain commands.
• Often one task at a time will be better suited to some players (so ask).
• In some cases muscle tension can be brought on by new or exciting stimuli.
• Focus on the ability and what the player can do.
• Adapt your session to ensure that it meets the players individual ability.
• Encourage participation and if possible nurture more independence.
• Repetition is the key to success, so plenty of practice and use of praise.
• Many individuals with speech impediments may have devised their own means of communication, it is therefore very helpful for the coach to  try to learn or become more accustomed with signs or gestures that are mutually understood.

Players with Cerebral Palsy
In different countries the various organisations (in the UK it is CP sport) will be able to provide you with more detailed information. So it is suggested that you contact these organisations to gain more knowledge of the area.