5 Physical Activities to Increase Power in Children

The definition of power is (force x distance) ÷ time.  In other words power is the product of strength and speed over time.  Many times children who receive therapy services exhibit a decrease in power.  For example, perhaps a child can jump forward but does not have the power to jump forward long distances over the course of time.   Obviously, use caution with power exercises - due to increase stress on certain joints power exercises may be contraindicated in some children.

Here are 5 physical activities to increase power in children:

1.  Plyometric Jumps - Sometimes known as jump training, plyometric exercises have muscle exert a maximum amount of force in the shortest amount of time.  The easiest plyometric to try with a child is a box jump.  Have a child stand on top of a box or stool (about 12-18" high).  Jump down and perform a vertical jump as high as you can when you hit the ground.  

You can vary this activity by jumping down followed by jumping forward or to increase the challenge further jump down and jump back up onto a different stool.

2.  Squat Jumps - Begin starting tall.  Squat down and then jump as high as you can reaching for the sky.  Repeat going back into the squat position.  Vary it by doing a star jump - squat and jump high and out into a star position (jumping jack position).  Jump back to standing tall.  Repeat.

3.  High Fast Skips - Skip moving quickly lifting the knees as high as possible.  This can be very difficult for younger children.  Try to skip with high knees to start with a bounce in each skip.

4.  Medicine Balls - Throwing and catching medicine balls can help to increase power in the upper extremities.  Try rebounding a small medicine ball off a mini trampoline that is upright against the wall.  

5.  Partner Activities - Stand back to back with a partner.  Hold a medicine ball and twist at the trunk to pass it to your partner.  The partner then moves the ball to the front of the body and passes it back to you.  Play catch with a lightweight medicine ball with a partner.  Practice chest passes and over head passes.  Have the child lay down on the floor in hook lying position holding a medicine ball, perform a sit up and throw the medicine ball to an adult.   This is obviously difficult so you may need to start with the child on an incline wedge.

What is your favorite power exercise to do with children? 



Play Strong is a download of 40+ activities that promote muscle strengthening in children. The activities are great for your pediatric occupational and physical therapy sessions for children with varying abilities. This is an excellent resource for pediatric therapists.  Find out more information at http://yourtherapysource.com/playstrong.html

 

Research on Muscle Weakness in Down Syndrome

A recent research study using a mouse model was published in the American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology comparing the soleus muscle in mice with Down syndrome and mice without Down syndrome.

The results indicated that there was not a significant difference between the two groups of mice with regards to the force production of the muscle, muscle fatigue and muscle fibers.  There was not a clear indication of mitochondrial limitation between the two groups either.

There was a significant difference in muscle recovery between the two groups.   There was also  numerous altered pathways in Down syndrome muscle including the breakdown of proteins, metabolism of glucose and fat, and neuromuscular transmission.

The researchers concluded that the muscle itself is not responsible for muscle weakness in mice with Down syndrome and the perhaps the motor systems in the brain or the neuromusclar junction play a role in muscle weakness in Down syndrome. 

Reference:  Krupa, D. New Study Offers Insights Into Role of Muscle Weakness in Down Syndrome. Retreived on 12/28/12 from the American Physiological Society at http://www.the-aps.org/mm/hp/Audiences/Public-Press/For-the-Press/releases/12/44.html