Sensory Motor Countdown to the Holidays

Here is a great list of daily activities to encourage fine motor, gross motor and visual perceptual skills while making memories.

You can download the countdown at http://yourtherapysource.com/countdown.html

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Orthotics and Children with Hypotonia

Pediatric Physical Therapy published a systemic review on the efficacy and evidence of using orthoses for children with hypotonia. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria although none were Level I evidence (evidence from properly designed randomized controlled trials).   

The results found that data was reported for body structure and activity components, but not participation outcomes.  Overall, the current evidence suggests that foot orthoses and supramalleolar orthoses may benefit children with hypotonia  but the evidence is low level. 

The researchers concluded that many unanswered questions remain regarding orthotic use for children with hypotonia such as: when is the optimal time to introduce orthoses? Are foot orthoses or supramalleolar orthoses more efficacious? Should orthoses be combined with physical therapy?

What has your experience been regarding the use of orthotics and children with hypotonia?  Based on my experience, the orthotics helped with biomechanical alignment but not necessarily function.  At times, the orthotics have hindered function in order to maintain proper alignment.  

Reference:  Weber, Anna PT, DHS; Martin, Kathy PT, DHS. Efficacy of Orthoses for Children With Hypotonia: A Systematic Review. Pediatric Physical Therapy: Spring 2014 - Volume 26 - Issue 1 - p 38-47. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000011

5 Fun Physical Activities to do for National Get Outdoors Day!

Tomorrow is National Get Outdoors Day (June 13, 2009). Here are 5 fun activities to do with children outdoors.

1. Go to the playground - go visit a local playground and explore all
the climbing equipment, swings and slides. Supervise and assist
your child as necessary. Sometimes all a child needs is some
verbal reminders of how to use the equipment such as “try moving
your foot to the next ladder”. If your child is fearful of
movement, let him explore at his own pace. If your child has
decreased safety awareness, review all playground rules before
play and supervise closely.

2. Hit the pool or lake - Swimming is a wonderful fitness activity
for all levels. It is a great way to strengthen muscles and improve
overall endurance. Practice balance and jumping skills in the
water, it makes it fun if you do fall!

3. Take a hike - Go on an adventure in the woods. Look for hiking trails appropriate for children - level and smooth. Many trails that are handicap accessible are perfect walking trails for younger children. Create a list of things to look for on your hike such as three birds, one squirrel, turtle, yellow leaf, etc. See how many you can find.

4. Play games in the yard - Here are several fun games for the backyard:

Scavenger Hunt - ask your child to find three things in the yard such as brown leaf, green leaf and white rock and bring in back within one minute.

Green Hunt - cut up green construction paper into one inch by 8 inch strips. Hide the green paper strips in the grass. The child must find all the strips that you have
hidden.

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles - practice blowing bubbles and chasing them. Blow bubbles, catch it on wand and child can clap or kick the bubble to pop it.

Sidewalk Chalk Games - Hopscotch is always a great physical activity to practice jumping, bilateral coordination and motor planning. Draw long, twisty lines with the
chalk and child can try to walk on line without stepping off.

Ball games - play catch with a different sized balls, beach balls or even better water balloons. Practice dribbling a ball with your feet - use a beach ball or balloon for easier control to start.

5. Go letterboxing - Visit www.letterboxing.org to read clues to hidden boxes near your home. Follow the directions to the hidden boxes (usually on hiking trails, in parks and on bike paths). Once you find the box, open it to find a stamp. Stamp the image in a small notebook and you sign into the log book. This is great fun for all ages!

REMEMBER - HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!!!!

Check out Sensory Motor Activities for the Summer.