Around 34,000 Australians are living with Cerebral Palsy, a disability that affects a person’s posture, balance and ability to move. According to Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) it’s the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting 1 in 700 babies.
Each year on 6th October, World Cerebral Palsy Day ‘aims to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as everyone else in our society’.
This year, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate NeuroMoves clients who are living with Cerebral Palsy and, despite often facing increased pain, limited control or uncontrolled and unpredictable movements, continue to show up to their gym sessions with a smile on their face and give 110%.
Sam is one of these clients, who has been with us since 2017 when the NDIS came to northern New South Wales.
Motivated to keep fit, healthy and strong so he can keep doing all the things in life that he loves to do, Sam enjoys the challenges of his workouts. He is currently engaging in strength and conditioning training, a recommended exercise for people living with Cerebral Palsy to help improve strength, endurance and general fitness, as well as to limit the amount of time spent sedentary.
Why is exercise for people living with Cerebral Palsy so important? Research has shown that they are 1.5x more likely ‘to experience cardiovascular disease-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and stroke’.
As well as the obvious health benefits, the sense of community felt within a gym can also be a great way for people with disability to boost social interaction, find a support network and meet people with similar challenges.
Combined, our clients living with Cerebral Palsy can regain their independence, find everyday tasks less challenging and live happy, healthy lives.
Since joining NeuroMoves, Sam has made excellent progress with his workouts. He notes, ‘find a good support team to help you achieve your goals. Don’t let anyone tell you “No you can’t do that” because there is always a way with the right supports”.
Outside of the gym, Sam loves to travel around Australia and overseas, is an avid snowboarder and enjoys being at one with nature.
He also has his own photography business Sam McPherson Photography and is often found selling his work at markets in Byron Bay and Bangalow, in art shops and online.
Thank you, Sam, for your unwavering dedication and giving each session your all! We also want to take this time to thank our NeuroMoves Physiotherapists and Exercise Psychologists for encouraging clients and creating an environment where they can thrive!
If you live with Cerebral Palsy or another disability and neurological condition and would like to improve your health and fitness too, you can find out more about NeuroMoves and find your local service here.
Sources:
Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Report 2023 (Birth years 1995-2016)
ExerciseRight: Exercise and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Foundation