How dogs can improve the quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy often have difficulty walking, which can affect their relationships with peers and general quality of life. People with visual disorders can experience similar difficulties With balance, spatial awareness and negotiating obstacles. People with visual disorders have He informed about it Their biggest barrier to improving mobility was the discriminatory attitudes of others. Dogs of guides and aid dogs have He tends to improve The quality of life of people with visual disorders, bringing admiration from others and improving self -confidence and independence.

Dogs were trained as AIDS mobility There were veterans of warwhile others were trained to facilitate users of wheelchairs Manage your daily taskssuch as raising a dropped sock.

But for some, a modern form of support is a change in facilitate: mobility dogs.

Mobility facilitate dogs are trained to ensure stability and balance, helping the child safely moved and different terrain. Dogs for the disabledThe charity organization in Ireland trains and provides specially trained auxiliary dogs as facilitate for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disorders. Families loving animals apply for a dog from a charity. Dogs are a personality adapted to the child and trained to facilitate them walk. It is an pioneering practice that is not previously focused on children, so little research was carried out in this area.

Family friend

My research is testing the influence of mobility facilitate dogs on the model of walking, physical activity and general impact on the quality of life of Chidren – and their families.

Many of these children (aged 6-12) Report that Walking with a dog is more socially favorable than holding a parent’s hand or with a metal frame. The dog pays positive attention to the child and gives them the topic of conversation. Parents believe That their children are more motivated to go out with the dog because they like to be seen with a modern furry friend.

Parents reported That the dog allows their children to navigate in the woods and on stony paths easily than with a standardized walking device. The dog can react dynamically, sensing the needs of the child, which significantly helps in celebrating obstacles, especially in the crowd. Siblings and parents accompany the child on dog walks, improving family efficiency and increasing family time.

The formal measurement of the walking pattern is performed using 3D gait analysis, a technique using infrared sensors to track the child’s motion pattern. Some children with milder cerebral palsy can benefit in their walking pattern, practicing walks with the dog, encouraging them to be more vertical, to take longer steps and involvement of anti-gravel muscles-muscles necessary to maintain a vertical position-more than leaning through the frame. For some children, with more difficulties in walking, relying on foot can be more sparing energy, and walking with a dog, although fun, may not be the most practical way to move.

Wearing sensors were used to track children’s physical activity levels during a specially trained dog. Most report that they went on and went for a walk with the dog. Children usually spent more time at a higher level of physical activity, so the dog encouraged them to make their heart beat a little more, improving cardiovascular efficiency.

Growing confidence

For one specific child, a six -year -old boy with cerebral palsy, his overall walking speed and gait quality improved, he was more energetic after six months with the dog and Its quality of life has improved. His mother felt that her son had benefited from positive social reactions of people who say the “hello” of the dog he loved. He never complained that feeling tired while walking and went on because he became more fun. Now he holds the dog’s handle instead of the parent’s hand when he is public, which increased his confidence because he feels more “normal”.

The bond between children with cerebral palsy and mobility facilitate dogs is powerful. These dogs offer not only practical facilitate in navigation around the world, but also emotional support, which can lead to increased confidence, independence and social commitment.

In the case of families facing the challenges associated with disability for life, such as cerebral palsy, these dogs are not just animals; They can be partners changing life who provide invaluable support, both physical and emotional. As the awareness of the benefits of mobility increases, I hope that more children with cerebral palsy will have the opportunity to experience the transformation power of the dog’s companion.