Games-Based Exercise for Cerebral Palsy: Why Fun Is Serious Rehab

Movement That Feels Like Play—But Delivers Real Results

 Rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy (CP) doesn’t have to feel clinical or repetitive. In fact, when exercise feels like a game, people with CP often move more, try harder, and enjoy the process.

 At Exercise Matters, we use games-based exercise as a core part of our Cerebral Palsy programs. It’s motivating, engaging, and—most importantly—evidence-based. This approach makes movement meaningful and helps build strength, coordination, and confidence at any age.

What Is Games-Based Exercise?

Games-based exercise uses play, competition, and goal-oriented movement to support physical development. This might include:

• Obstacle courses

• Target throwing or catching games

• Balance and stepping challenges

• Interactive circuits

• Partner relay drills

  
  

For children, it can mimic sports or playground activities. For teens and adults, it may look like modified sports, reaction-time drills, or movement games using balls, cones, timers, or visual markers.

Why Games-Based Rehab Works for Cerebral Palsy

1. Boosts Motivation and Effort

When tasks are framed as games, clients often push harder and move more naturally.

• Increases repetitions

• Improves movement quality

• Encourages laughter and social interaction

  
  

2. Promotes Neuroplasticity

Games that include variability, feedback, and repetition stimulate brain pathways involved in motor learning.

Evidence: Morgan et al. (2016) found that play-based, goal-oriented activity enhances neural adaptation in children with CP.

3. Improves Functional Motor Skills

Games simulate real-world tasks:

• Walking to a target

• Reaching while balancing

• Timing steps and reactions

• Navigating space with purpose

This leads to gains in gross motor function and mobility.

4. Encourages Social Engagement

Group games promote peer interaction, confidence, and communication—especially important for younger clients or those in NDIS social goals.

5. Supports Goal Achievement

When games are structured around functional goals (e.g. better balance, improved hand control), they lead to measurable improvements in:

• Gait

• Sitting and reaching

• Standing transitions

• Arm and hand use

How We Use Games at Exercise Matters

We tailor games for all ages and abilities:

• Younger children: fun floor-based games, colour-matching tasks, and obstacle trails

• Teens: ball games, reaction speed drills, competitive challenges

• Adults: goal-based circuits, visual targets, step drills

We align each activity with therapy goals and track outcomes with standardised tests (e.g. GMFM, 6MWT, TUG).

Case Study: Ava, 8, Spastic Hemiplegia

Ava struggled with walking endurance and confidence in playground settings. We introduced weekly sessions using:

• Ladder drills with beanbag targets

• Balance stepping games

• Catch-and-throw memory games

After 8 weeks:

• Ava’s walking distance improved by 90m

• Her single-leg balance time increased by 40%

• She returned to participating in recess games at school

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this approach only for kids?

No. Adults also benefit. We adapt game-based strategies to suit age, function, and interest—maintaining challenge and engagement.

2. Is games-based therapy effective?

Yes. Research shows it improves engagement, repetition, and functional outcomes, especially when goal-aligned.

3. What if my child has significant mobility challenges?

We modify games for seated, supported, or low-mobility use—e.g., balloon batting, arm movement games, or wheelchair-friendly circuits.

4. Can this be part of an NDIS plan?

Absolutely. Games-based therapy supports goals around function, social engagement, and participation.

5. Do you use technology or screens?

We prioritise hands-on, movement-rich games. However, we can integrate adaptive tech if it supports your child’s goals.

Play Your Way to Progress

With the right game, therapy becomes something to look forward to. Let us turn movement into joy, and rehab into results.

📞 Call (07) 5448 3532 🌐 www.exercisematters.healthcare

References:

• Morgan C et al. (2016). Effectiveness of goal-directed training and constraint-induced movement therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol.

• Novak I et al. (2020). Clinical practice guidelines for CP. JAMA Pediatrics.

• Verschuren O et al. (2016). Exercise recommendations for people with cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol.