Page 31 - Sportability

It is admirable that Kavita Suresh is dedicated to using therefore this interaction between exercise and
athletics to enhance the lives of those with cerebral cognitive activities is critical.
palsy. Her own experience and the CPSFI’s work serve
as a testament to the positive effects of exercise on the People with CP benefit from increased confidence and
mental and physical health of people with disabilities. better performance when they participate in cognitive
and physical exercises. Getting these activities done
IMPROVING FUNCTION IN PEOPLE well creates a positive feedback loop that motivates
WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: THE more effort and success.
SIGNIFICANCE OF BOTH PHYSICAL
AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES INSIGHTS Professor Deepak emphasised that mental and physical
FROM PROF. K.K. DEEPAK activities must be combined to treat cerebral palsy.
Physical therapy improves motor skills and muscle
tone; cognitive activities help the brain operate better,
which improves performance overall. The incorporation
“The cutting edge currently is of these methodologies, underpinned by technical
sensing technology.” progress, is a critical factor in augmenting the standard
Prof. K. K. Deepak of living for persons diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Visiting Professor at CBME, IIT Delhi.
Former Head of the Department of Physiology ENHANCING SPORTS ASSISTANCE
FOR ATHLETES: INNOVATIONS AND

Professor K.K. Deepak gave insightful talks UNDERSTANDINGS
about the cognitive and physical elements of caring Ankur Dhama on the Needs of the Future and Current
for people with cerebral palsy (CP) and the critical Initiatives
roles that exercise and technology play in improving Ankur Dhama emphasized the noteworthy
performance. advancements in the sports industry, specifically for
athletes with disabilities. He applauded the Modern
Physical Difficulties and the Need for Assistance School’s efforts as well as government programs like
the TOPS plan, pointing out that both had improved
A brain injury that causes a decrease in muscular the quantity of medals awarded and the general level
tone and motor coordination is the cause of cerebral of assistance given to athletes. Dhama emphasized the
palsy. The ability of people to carry out physical duties need for more facilities and ongoing infrastructure
efficiently is impacted by this loss. development to improve the sports environment. He
emphasised that having a strong infrastructure is
Regular physiotherapy and supportive therapies are essential to preventing the need for abroad training and
necessary to resolve this. By enhancing motor skills and guaranteeing that local facilities meet international
muscular tone, these therapies help people reach their standards, even though financial and educational
full physical potential. support is also vital.

By providing instruments that can enhance muscle He also emphasized the value of inclusive education and
growth and performance, technology plays a vital role in increased public awareness of the potential of athletes
leveling the playing field for people with cerebral palsy. with disabilities. He made the point that even if financial
assistance is crucial, promoting athletic development
The Role of Cognitive Activities requires improving facilities and establishing inclusive
school environments.
The purpose of cognitive tasks is to enhance cognitive
function and function. These are cognitively demanding In his talk, Brigadier B.K. Nayak stressed the need
tasks that test one’s memory, problem-solving skills, for teamwork and a comprehensive approach in the
and other cognitive abilities. They are frequently sports sciences. He emphasized the significance of
administered via technology. collaborating with establishments such as IIT Delhi
to create personalized prostheses and modernize
Cognitive exercises can improve neural capacities conventional operating processes to accommodate
and improve brain function in general. Exercise not a range of requirements. Nayak underlined that
only boosts physical performance but also improves developing a welcoming atmosphere for para-athletes
cognitive processes like memory and learning, requires not just technology improvements but also

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