Pocket_Guide_to_Exercise_Assessment

Exercise Through the Life Span 141 to work at near maximal intensity to carry out simple functional tasks. Some evidence is starting to emerge which is showing the benefits of resistance training and fitness training on function in these children. This may be related to their ability to propel a wheelchair or in econ­ omy of function in terms of carrying out activities of daily living. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN EXERCISING CHILDREN To prescribe exercise safely t<)[ children the physiotherapist should be aware of the expected outcome of training for both cardiovascu­ lar fitness and resistance training. Activities should be chosen that are easy and interesting for the child to carry out. Active play should be encouraged in younger chil­ dren and older children may be involved in selecting activities which they would like to do and are possible for them to carry out. Special consideration should be given to the specificity of the activity or game being used in relation to the training programme. RECOMMENDED EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION z Cardiovascular training W Current recommendations suggest that healthy children should do I- at least GO minutes of moderate activity with some vigorous activity, which is intermittent in nature, on most days of the week. 0:: W Resistance training Where resistance training programmes are applied to children, tl,r h: example in specific conditions such as cystic fibrosis or for sports training, the following guidelines should apply: :<r:t u maximal (1 JUvt) or high-intensity programmes should not be used young children should not lift a heavier weight than 8 RM and up to 15 RM tl,r each exercise, intensity being increased only when the child can easily perform the required number of rep­ etitions in good form training should be carried out under supervision with focus on good technique activities should be varied to maintain interest. EXERCISE AND PREGNANCY For healthy women, pregnancy is a normal part of life. Exercise and physical activity may also play an important role in the lives of healthy women. However pregnant women who are normally physi­ cally active may wonder whether continuing with physical activity