Exercise and Cystic Fibrosis

A small study from John Hopkins indicates that prescribing an individualized exercise program to children with cystic fibrosis improved lung function. Fifty eight children ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old received individualized exercise programs such as taking a stroll or playing the Wii. After two months of following the exercise regimen exercise tolerance increased. The children also exhibited small changes in pulmonary function tests and improved self image.

Reference: Ekaterina Pesheva. Simple Exercise Improves Lung Function in Children with CF. Retrieved from the web on 5/9/2011 at http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Simple-Exercise-Improves-Lung-Function-in-Children-with-CF.aspx

Exercise, Academics and Autism

Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on the effects of aerobic exercise on academics in young children with autism. In the experimental phase of the treatment, the children participated in 15 minutes of aerobic activity prior to academic tasks. In the control phase, the children only completed the academic tasks. The results indicated a significant difference in correct responses following the exercise. There were no differences seen in stereotypical behaviors and on-task behaviors.

Reference: Oriel, Kathryn N. PT, EdD; George, Cheryl L. PhD; Peckus, Rebecca DPT; Semon, Amanda DPT The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Academic Engagement in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Pediatric Physical Therapy: Summer 2011 - Volume 23 - Issue 2 - p 187–193 doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e318218f149

Strength and Balance Training - Down Syndrome

A randomized controlled trial on strength and balance training in children with down syndrome was published in Clinical Rehabilitation . Twenty three children with Down Syndrome were divided into two groups - an experimental group who received 6 weeks of progressive resistive exercise and balance training and a control group (no intervention). The results indicated a significant improvement in lower limb muscle strength in the experimental group. In addition, a significant improvement in balance scores on the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP)were also seen in the experimental group.

Reference: Sukriti Gupta,Bhamini krishna Rao,and Kumaran SD Effect of strength and balance training in children with Down’s syndrome: a randomized controlled trial Clin Rehabil May 2011 25: 425-432, first published on November 8, 2010 doi:10.1177/0269215510382929

Outdoor Environments for Children with Autism and Special Needs

Here is some great information on creating and working with outdoor environments for children with autism and special needs or view below. This hand out gives an overview of autism and sensory integration followed by research on the role of nature in autism and design guidelines. The hand out was created based on a webinar that Kaboom offered which you can view here - scroll to bottom of page.

Using Task Analysis for Documentation

Pediatric Physical Therapy published research using task analysis and a scoring code for donning coats in preschool children. The 171 preschool children were scored three times per year and the data revealed the following:

• at first scoring 22 children were able to put on coat independently and 149 required help
• at final scoring 75 of the 149 children could now put on a coat, 14 still needed help, 50 received additional services and 32 had services interrupted

The researchers concluded that task analysis and scoring codes helped to standardize documentation, show small changes and and focus the task training.

Reference: Kaplan, Sandra L. PT, PhD; O'Connell, Melanie D. MSPT Task Analyses Identify Coat-Donning Delays in Preschoolers in Special Education Pediatric Physical Therapy:Spring 2011 - Volume 23 - Issue 1 - p 62–69 doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e318209429c

Dressing Skills Rubrics - task analysis of dressing skills with scoring

Download of 21 rubrics in pdf and Word format

Find out more.

Shoes4Kids - Needs Our Help PT 2011

Here is a guest post about a great charitable organization that provides shoes for kids at the APTA conference each year.

Bringing New Shoes and Smiles to Kids in Need

The mission of Shoes4Kids is to provide disadvantaged youth a new pair of athletic shoes and socks, thereby improving their health and wellness.

Since 2006, Shoes4Kids has been creating change by distributing over 2500 pairs of new athletic shoes and socks to underserved and disadvantaged children in 5 different cities in the United States.

Last year Shoes4Kids distributed over 1000 pairs of new youth athletic shoes and over 3000 pairs of socks to the children of Boston. Many of the children and families we met at the shelters made a lasting impression, but an encounter with a boy named Jamal was especially unforgettable. To be sure the shoes fit, Shoes4Kids volunteers help the children try on their new shoes. When I offered to help Jamal, he politely refused. Once Jamal picked out a pair of shoes I persisted, explaining that I just wanted to be sure the shoes fit him properly. Eventually Jamal quietly admitted to me that his socks were dirty. I recall Him having so much pride. He didn't want me to see his socks, which were grey and full of holes. So, in addition to fixing him up with a great pair of new shoes, I made sure Jamal had a new pair of socks for every day of the week.

At another shelter, a mother and father brought in their two little girls for shoes. The mother told me that they also had an older boy and asked if he could get shoes, too. When they returned, I visited with the boy and asked him which sports he liked, He said basketball. I helped him find a great pair of Nikes. I remember Him just glowing. What touched me the most was when the father reached out to me and said, 'You don't know how much you've helped. What you've done for my family, I can't afford to do.'" By making such small acts of kindness possible, Shoes4Kids volunteers and donors are helping to restore some hope and happiness to families.

To view pictures of two of our visits last year go to these links:

http://www.ccab.org/unlinked/Shoes4Kids/index.php

Pt 2010 shoes4 kids crittenton women’s union

View more presentations from Brad Thuringer

Shoes4Kids will be visiting three different shelters during PT 2011 - June 8th -10th, those shelters being; St Margaret of Cortona Transitional Residence, Woodbridge, MD, Mondloch House, Alexandria, VA, and the Spring Road Family Program, Washington, DC. This year's goal is to distribute 600 pairs of NEW athletic shoes and socks.

While it may not be feasible for you to attend or volunteer at the shelters this year, it can be a comfort by knowing that your donation will have an impact on the children and families who call these shelters home. You can either mail your donation to my work address below or by making a donation online through my PayPal account at bthuring@brookings.net.

Deadline for donations, mail or by PayPal is May 25th. Checks can be payable to Shoes4Kids.

If attending PT 2011 - National Harbor, MD you can bring your donation with you. For your convenience, there will be several Shoe4Kids drop off bins located throughout the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center. If you would like to volunteer at the shelters or have questions, you can contact me at (800) 657.4344 ext. 325 or email at thuringb@lakeareatech.edu.

Thank you for your generosity to Shoes4Kids. See you in DC!

Brad Thuringer, PTA

Instructor, ACCE
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Lake Area Technical Institute
230 11th Street NE
PO Box 730
Watertown, South Dakota 57201
800.657.4344 ext. 325

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is this week from May 2 through May 6th during 2011. Why not show the teachers that you work with some appreciation. Here are some fun ideas:

1. Teach a Class - offer to lead the class in sensory motor activities to wake up the brain for learning
2. Relaxation Exercises - lead a class in relaxation exercise or stress relievers during a break between classes or tests
3. Thank You Note - do you work with a teacher who always carries out your therapy suggestions? Write them a thank you note.
4. Fidget Basket - make some homemade fidgets to give to the teacher for the classroom
5. Indoor Recess Packet - give the teacher a folder filled with simple physical activity ideas for indoor recess. Kids will get their energy out and the teacher does not have to prepare (Check out Imagination Action Journeys)
6. Bake some treats with students to give to the teachers
7. Plan a breakfast for the teachers - The students will get great practice of functional skills when planning, organizing and cooking a meal.
   

Imagination Action Journeys -

Encourage movement with 10 imagination journeys to read and perform.
Great for indoor recess or mini movement breaks during the school day.

Find out more.