GYMNASTICS FOR ALL IN THE HOSPITAL CONTEXT: A LOOK BEYOND THE ROOM

Abstract

Constrained by the disease, subsequent treatments and hospital routines, children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer often end
up not being able to experience an active routine and extensive social interaction. In addition to the restrictions imposed by the clinical picture,
psychological factors and motor aspects are additionally affected. Therefore, there is a need to provide this audience with a new way of
continuing to develop their practical activities, especially in addition to playfulness, through a sensitive and humanized process. Based on the
understanding of Gymnastics as a potential for promoting moments of leisure, social interaction, aesthetic, and creative deve lopment and,
therefore, social, and emotional benefits, this study highlights Gymnastics for All (GFA) as a possibility of playing Gymnastics. The GFA can
be an appropriate strategy for developing games that involve gymnastics movements, such as jumping, rolling, turning the body, balancing,
and hanging, in addition to handling small equipment, built and/or adapted, with influences from Rhythmic Gymnastics and GFA. Therefore,
this essay aims to present reflections on the possibilities of the gymnastic universe in the hospital context, based on GFA and references on
playing, imagination and creation. After reflections on the topic, some proposals for activities that can be carried out with children and
adolescents in the hospital environment are suggested, related to the following themes: handling ribbons and clubs, movements, basic gymnastic
positions, and collective acrobatics. Finally, the importance of the Physical Education professional and his/her sensitive role in this context is
highlighted.