Balance and Coordination of Boys with Intellectual Disability

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly published research examining the balance and coordination of 123 boys (ages 8-18) with intellectual disability (ID) but without Down syndrome.  The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) was used to measure 6 items for balance, 5 items for upper limb coordination, and 6 items for bilateral coordination.

The results indicated the following:

• mean scores for balance,upper limb coordination and bilateral coordination were consistently below BOT-2 criteria for the boys ages 8-18.

The researchers concluded that overall motor skills of males with ID are below the competence expected for children and adolescents without disabilities.

Reference:  Pitetti, K., Miller, R. A., & Loovis, M. (2017). Balance and Coordination Capacities of Male Children and Adolescents With Intellectual Disability. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 34(1), 1-18.

 

 

25+ Bilateral Coordination Activities – Download of 28 bilateral coordination exercise sheets including QR codes with links to video demonstration of exercises. Also includes hand out explaining bilateral coordination.  FIND OUT MORE.

 

The post Balance and Coordination of Boys with Intellectual Disability appeared first on Your Therapy Source.

Light Touch, Postural Sway and Children with Autism

Gait & Posture published research comparing 16 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 16 typically developing children (TD) to determine the effects of a light fingertip touch on postural control.  Postural sway was measured with a force platform in different conditions:
anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, light fingertip touch (LT) and no touch (NT) conditions, and with both eyes open (EO) and both eyes closed (EC).

The results indicated the following:
1.  ML sway was significantly greater in the ASD group than in the TDC group.
2.  a significant reduction in postural sway in the ML direction in the LT condition compared with the      NT condition which applied to both the EO and EC conditions.
3.  the reduction in ML sway between the NT and LT conditions was significantly greater in the ASD      than the TDC group.

The researchers concluded that the effects of a light fingertip touch on reducing postural sway appears to be more efficient in children with ASD compared with TDC therefore suggesting that a light fingertip touch may be helpful in improving postural stability in children with ASD.

Reference:  Fu-Chen Chen, Hsin-Lin Chen, Jui-Hung Tu, Chia-Liang Tsai. Effects of light touch on postural sway and visual search accuracy: A test of functional integration and resource competition hypotheses. Gait & Posture.  Volume 42, Issue 3, September 2015, Pages 280–284

Looking for balance activities?  Check out Cross the Beam game to challenge postural control and balance skills.

DIY Outdoor "Laser" Maze - Super Simple

Here is an easy outdoor activity to challenge body awareness, motor planning and balance skills.  Find two trees about 6 feet apart.  Give the child a skein of yarn or twine.  Wrap the yarn around the two trees in all different directions and heights to make the “laser” maze.  Once complete, the child needs to climb through the maze without falling.

We started with level one where your knees could touch the ground when going through the maze.  The level two challenge was to get through the maze without letting your knees touch the ground.  When done with the maze the child can practice scissor skills and cut the yarn off the two trees.

Have fun!

Play – Move – Develop

By: Your Therapy Source Inc

Summary: 100 reproducible games and activity ideas to encourage motor skill
development and learning in children. Great resource for fun, home exercise
program activities.  Find out more at http://yourtherapysource.com/playmove.html

Research: Heart Rate, Motor Skills and Children with Autism

Physiology & Behavior published research on 20 children – 10 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 10 control subjects to determine how the heart rate adjusts during different physical tests.

Each participant was evaluated using the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery with constant heart rate monitoring. In addition, their parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

The results indicated the following:

1.  both groups show the same trend of heart rate increase (during exercise and also during the maximum effort).

2.  children with ASD presented a significant lower heart rate compared to the control population.

3.  children with ASD showed lower results than controls on plate tapping test, vertical and broad jump tests and the sit up test on the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery.

4.  Children with ASD and higher number of falls on the Flamingo balance test

5.  children with ASD had lower force on the handgrip test

The researchers concluded that the significant heart rate decrease of the ASD group during physical test could be due to an alteration of the cardiac response. Also, their results concur with previous studies indicating that children with ASD exhibit a lack of motor abilities such as balance and executive functions.

Reference:  Marion Pace and Véronique-Aurélie Bricout. Low heart rate response of children with autism spectrum disorders in comparison to controls during physical exercise. Physiology & Behavior.  Volume 141, 15 March 2015, Pages 63–68

Possum’s Tail  – Ride magic scooter out to the swamp and explore with little Possum, who wants to find her balance, even though she was born without a tail! Climb across a canyon, hang upside down in a tree, hide from hungry alligator, and like Possum, find your determination.

Possum’s Tail video encourages:
balance and fitness
strength and flexibility
alignment and concentration
self control and self regulation.

FIND OUT MORE at http://yourtherapysource.com/movewithmepossum.html

10 Ways to Walk Across a Balance Beam

Want to challenge a child's balance?  Trying walking different ways across a beam.  If you don't have a balance beam, you can put a long strip of painter's tape on the floor or draw a line outdoors using sidewalk chalk.  Obviously, a child can walk forwards across a balance beam so here are 10 more ideas:

1.  Walk across the beam with hands over your head, out to the side or on your hips.

2.  Place small objects on the beam (ie beanbags) and the child has to step over the bean bags but stay on the beam.

3.  Walk sideways, high kicks or backwards across the beam.

4.   Walk on your tiptoes or heels across the beam.

5.  Walk across with hands and feet on the beam.

6.  Walk halfway across the beam, turn one full circle and continue across the beam.

7.  Walk across the beam balancing an object (ie bean bag or small book) on your head.

8.  Walk across the beam heel to toe.

9.  Walk across a beam to the beat of a metronome.

10.  Move like different animals across the beam.

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Title of Electronic Book: Cross the Beam Game

By: Your Therapy Source

Summary: Download of game that encourages balance skills and
visual perceptual skills.  Find out more at http://www.yourtherapysource.com/beam.html

Pool Noodle Stick for Reaction Time, Coordination and Balance

Create this simple pool noodle stick to encourage reaction time, eye hand coordination, balance skills and muscle strengthening.  Read all the details and watch the video at http://yourtherapysource.com/videopoolnoodlestick.html

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Need more sensory motor activities?  Check out Sensory Motor Game Boards at http://yourtherapysource.com/sensoryboards.html.  Just print and play these games that encourage coordination, motor planning, gross motor and balance skills.

Balance Skills and Obesity in Children

Appetite published research on whether balance skills and quality of life are influenced by childhood obesity.  Eighty seven children who were classified as Class 1 obese (BMI SDS 2.0-2.49) and Class 2 obese (BMI SDS > 2.5) were evaluated using the BOT-II to measure balance and the PedsQL to determine quality of life.  Statistical analysis indicated the following:

1.  the mean balance was 26.52 ± 5.2 out of a maximum of 37 on the BOT-II


2.  overall 71.26% of the children had impaired balance


3. C2 obese children (BMI > 2.5) had lower balance scores compared to C1 obese children


4. the mean quality of life score was 59.0% ± 19.8% (C1 60.7% ± 19.1; C2 57.44 ± 19.8)


5. the children with balance impairment had lower quality of life

The researchers concluded that balance was impaired in children who were obese and that those children had a lower quality of life. The researchers recommend conducting a physiotherapy assessment in children who are obese.

Reference: O’Malley, G. et al. Are balance and quality of life impaired in children who are obese? Appetite Volume 76, 1 May 2014, Pages 198

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Title of Electronic Book: Cross the Beam Game
By: Your Therapy Source

Summary: Download of game that encourages balance skills and visual perceptual skills.  Find out more at http://www.yourtherapysource.com/beam.html

Balance, Age and Autism Symptoms

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published research on the influence of task difficulty and age on balance control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  The researchers tested balance control during increasingly difficult balance conditions in children with ASD and typically developing peers.  The relationship between balance control and diagnostic/symptom severity for participants with ASD, including age, was also evaluated.

The results indicated the following:

1.  balance deficits in ASD were exacerbated by stance alterations, but were not related to symptom severity when age was considered.

The researchers concluded that there is impaired balance in ASD, especially in challenging conditions, but there was not a link between balance and symptom severity.

Reference:  Sarah A. Graham, Angela E. Abbott, Aarti Nair, Alan J. Lincoln, Ralph-Axel Müller, Daniel J. Goble. The Influence of Task Difficulty and Participant Age on Balance Control in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.  November 2014. DOI
10.1007/s10803-014-2303-7

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Title of Electronic Book: Cross the Beam Game

By: Your Therapy Source

Summary: Download of game that encourages balance skills and visual perceptual skills.

Find out more at http://yourtherapysource.com/beam.html

Postural Stability Training Effects on Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Research was published assessing the dynamic bilateral postural stability on balance control and gait parameters in 30 children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (8-10 years old).  The children were divided into two groups.  One group received 2 hours per session of physical therapy for 3x/week for 8 weeks.  The second group received 1.5 hours per session of PT and 30 minutes of dynamic postural stability training program using the Biodex Stability System.  All children received pre and post assessments to evaluate the stability indices (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) and three-dimensional motion analysis system to evaluate the spatiotemporal parameters including step length, velocity, cycle time, stance, and swing phase percentage.

 

The results indicated the following:

1.  children in both groups showed significant improvements in the mean values of all measured variables after treatment with a significant reduction in stability indices and improvement in gait parameters.

2.  significant differences were recorded in all measured parameters in the group that received the stability training, when compared with those who only received physical therapy.

The researchers concluded that balance training on the Biodex Stability System paired with traditional physical therapy may improve balance control and gait functions in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Reference: Abd El-Kafy, Ehab Mohamed; El-Basatiny, Heba M. Youssr M.  Effect of Postural Balance Training on Gait Parameters in Children with Cerebral Palsy.  AJPM&R. November 2014 - Volume 93 - Issue 11 pp: 931-1018,e1-e8

Whole Body Vibration to Improve Balance/Strength and Down Syndrome

A randomized controlled study was published on 30 children with Down syndrome, where 15 children received physical therapy and 15 children received physical therapy and whole body vibration training. Both groups participated 3x/week for 6 months. The groups underwent stability testing and muscle strength testing before and after the 6 mos of the treatment program.

The results indicated the following:
1. Each group demonstrated significant improvements in stability indices and muscle strength after treatment.
2. significantly greater improvements were seen in the study group (whole body vibration) when compared with the control group.

The researchers concluded that "Whole-body vibration may be a useful intervention modality to improve balance and muscle strength in children with Down syndrome".

Reference:  Eid, Mohamed Ahmed.  Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Standing Balance and Muscle Strength in Children with Down Syndrome.  American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation., Post Author Corrections: October 8, 2014.  Published Ahead-of-Print

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Postural Control in Very Preterm Children

Recent research assessed the postural control of 90 very preterm (VPT) children (<30 weeks gestation) and 36 full term children (>37 weeks gestation) at four years old. Using a Wii Balance Board, various tasks were assessed including static two-limbed standing with eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on a foam mat, eyes closed on a foam mat, single leg standing on each limb and a cognitive dual task (involved showing the participants a series of pictures that appeared on screen at 2-second intervals). Functional performance was assessed during dynamic jumping and hopping tasks using the outcome measure of flight time, with shorter time indicating worse performance.

The results indicated the following: 1

1. VPT children had impaired static and dynamic balance, with increased postural sway under all conditions.

2. VPT children had reduced flight times compared with children born at term.

3. When adjustments were made for body weight the only group differences in postural control were in the cognitive dual task and flight times (jumping and left leg hopping).

The researchers concluded that: "VPT children demonstrated reduced postural control at 4 years of age compared with term-born children when presented with a cognitive dual task. They also performed worse during jumping and hopping tasks".

Reference: Lorefice, L. E., Galea, M. P., Clark, R. A., Doyle, L. W., Anderson, P. J. and Spittle, A. J. (2014), Postural control at 4 years in very preterm children compared with term-born peers. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12550

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Need postural control activities?  Check out some yoga for kids videos and resources at http://yourtherapysource.com/yoga.html

Box Balance Game - Motor Planning, Body Awareness and More

Watch the video at YourTherapySource to see how to play the Box Balance game to encourage balance skills, motor planning, body awareness, eye foot coordination and right/left discrimination.  You can get the Bilibo Pixel here.

Balloon Balance Activity

Here is a balance and eye foot coordination activity using balloons.  Check out the directions at YourTherapySource.com.

Treadmill Training Effects on Balance

Recent research was completed that compared treadmill training versus overground walking effects on balance skills using a randomized controlled trial with blinded evaluator. The participants were children with cerebral palsy ages 3-12, GMFCS levels I through III. The experimental group received 30 minute treadmill training session two times per week for 7 weeks. The control group participated in overground walking, 30 minute sessions, 2 times per week, also for 7 weeks.

The results indicated the following:

• both groups exhibited better functional balance after the protocol. 
• the experimental group had higher Berg balance scale scores and exhibited lesser mediolateral oscillation with eyes open in comparison to the control group.

The researchers concluded that treadmill training had greater effects on balance skills and  mediolateral oscillation than the overground walking.

Reference:  Grecco LA, Tomita SM, Christovão TC, Pasini H, Sampaio LM, Oliveira CS. Effect of treadmill gait training on static and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2013 Feb;17(1):17-23.

10 Simple Ways to Work on Balance

Here are 10 simple ways for children to work on balance skills throughout the day:

1.  Walk up and down stairs or curbs - each time you take a step you are balancing on one foot.

2.  Ride a bicycle - this task requires postural control and balance

3.  Ride a scooter - obviously three wheeled scooters are easier than two wheeled scooters

4.  Walk on uneven terrain - walk on grass, rocks or dirt.  Wet, thick, mud is a big challenge.  Walk on uneven terrain with no shoes on for a bigger challenge ie sand.

5.  Play a game of kickball or soccer.  You need to stand on one foot to kick the ball.

6.  Play follow the leader practicing walking fast, slow, backwards and sideways.

7.  Pretend to be a tight rope walker - Walk heel to toe along any line, try on your toes or your heels.

8.  Try putting on your pants in standing - this is a real balance challenge to stand on one foot while putting the other leg in pants.  Want to make it harder? Try putting socks on in standing without falling.

9.  Walk along curbs or balance beams at the park.

10.  Go on a hike searching out some logs or big rocks to climb.  

Check out What? Why? and How? Series 1 for 10 forms that explain the what, why and how of physical activity in children, locomotor skills, trunk muscles, equilibrium reactions and more.

Homemade Hurdles

 

These homemade hurdles can be made in different heights or reconfigured for other activities to practice jumping skills, balance, motor planning and body awareness.  You can get more info and watch the video at YourTherapySource.  

Strength, Balance and Mobility in Children

Gait and Posture published research regarding the relationship between lower extremity muscle strength, balance and mobility in 21 children ages 7-10.  Each child's isometric and dynamic strength was tested in addition to their steady-state, proactive, and reactive balance and mobility (single and dual task conditions).  The results indicated the following:

• significant positive correlations between dynamic and isometric lower extremity muscle strength
• hardly any association was found between variables of strength and balance/mobility and between measures of steady-state, proactive, and reactive balance
• no significant correlations were detected between balance/mobility tests performed under single and dual task conditions.

The researchers concluded that balance and mobility performance is task specific. In addition, strength and balance/mobility as well as balance under single and dual task conditions may be independent of each other. Therefore, strength and balance/mobility may have to be tested and trained together.

Reference: Thomas Muehlbauer, Carmen Besemer, Anja Wehrle, Albert Gollhofer, Urs Granacher. Relationship between strength, balance and mobility in children aged 7–10 years. Gait & Posture - January 2013 (Vol. 37, Issue 1, Pages 108-112, DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.06.022) 

Balance and Motor Memory Video Activity Idea

Practice balance skills, coordination, jumping skills, motor planning and motor memory all with some duct tape and rope!  Watch the video for all the details at YourTherapySource.com. 

Hippotherapy and Balance

Physical Therapy published research on the effects of hippotherapy on balance.  Sixteen children with documented balance problems participated in 45 minute hippotherapy sessions, 2 times per week for 6 weeks.  Following the intervention the participants exhibited a statistical difference on the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) on the Activities Scale for Kids—Performance (ASKp).  The researchers concluded that hippotherapy may be a viable strategy for reducing balance deficits and improving the performance of daily life skills in children with mild to moderate balance problems.


Reference:  Debbie J. Silkwood-Sherer et al. Hippotherapy—An Intervention to Habilitate Balance Deficits in Children With Movement Disorders: A Clinical Trial.  PHYS THER May 2012 92:707-717; published ahead of print January 12, 2012, doi:10.2522/ptj.20110081

Balance and Dyslexia

Recent research attempted to determine is there is a connection with balance skills and reading speed. Ninety four children with a familial risk of dyslexia were compared to 85 children without a risk of dyslexia. The results showed that children with a risk of dyslexia had more problems with balance and reading. Testing indicated that attention, IQ, hyperactivity and motor functioning were not related to balance problems although attention and IQ were related to reading speed. The researchers concluded that balance problems alone do not produce reading difficulties and that perhaps there is a genetic mechanism between balance and reading problems.

Reference: VIHOLAINEN, H., ARO, M., AHONEN, T., CRAWFORD, S., CANTELL, M. and KOOISTRA, L. (2011), Are balance problems connected to reading speed or the familial risk of dyslexia?. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53: 350–353. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03856.x