Interventions to maximise physical activity, health, and community participation in the Down syndrome population.Ĭonsiderable variability exists among individuals with Down syndrome with regard to the degree of disability and the specific features affected. There is a critical need for more objective measures of muscle tone or stiffness and the design and testing of interdisciplinary Our paper makes an effort to discuss what is currently known about hypotonia, motor skill development, and Performed by individuals with and without Down syndrome. Motor development, and motor learning in Down syndrome mention low muscle tone or hypotonia as a major contributor to the typical differences between movements Mark Latash, Louise Wood, and Dale UlrichĪ great deal of variability exists in the Down syndrome population in terms of their motor control, coordination, and skill. The TheraSuit® coupled with the Universal Exercise Unit are two primary tools used in the intensive physical therapy programs which assist in accelerating a child’s progress and achievement of goals.What is currently known about hypotonia, motor skill development, and physical activity in Down syndrome This dynamic support allows the child to perform functional activity and maintain positions with an increased sense of independence. An individual is de-weighted with use of bungee cords attached to a belt. Isolated muscle strengthening is then followed by functional strength training with assistance of the suspension system. This system allows for isolated strengthening of any muscle group. The goal of the pulley system is to improve active range of motion, muscle strength and flexibility. The Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), also known as the spider cage, consists of a pulley and suspension system. Precautions to use of the TheraSuit® include: (eligible participants with any of the following precautions will be monitored throughout sessions) Hip dislocation or hip subluxation greater than 50%.Supports weak muscles while providing resistance to strong muscles.Improves balance, coordination, and body awareness.Assists in normalizing muscle tone and reducing pathological reflexes.Provides stabilization and dynamic body correction. The TheraSuit may be worn during an intensive physical therapy session while completing functional tasks to ensure appropriate body alignment, provide sensory input and improve body awareness. It is intended to load to body with weight and provide proprioceptive input to restore muscle synergies while decreasing pathological reflexes. The TheraSuit® is a soft orthosis consisting of a vest, shorts, knee pads and shoe attachments connected by small bungee cords. 1-3 hour weekly (2-3x per week) physical therapy sessions are available in between participation of a 3-week program.ĭiagnoses that may benefit from intensive physical therapy include but are not limited to: The eligibility, duration and time of each program will be determined by a More Than A Gym therapist upon evaluation, consistent with the needs and goals of each child. The intensive physical therapy program is typically 3 hours per day for 3-4 weeks. Our intensive physical therapy programs accelerate the attainment of significant functional gains. These tools and techniques allow children to perform repetitive functional activity in improved alignment to achieve their next milestone. We use a collaborative therapeutic approach, specific to the needs of each child, which may include the TheraSuit, Universal Exercise Unit (spider cage), NDT, Theratog, kinesiotaping, treadmill training, etc. Our one-on-one sessions with a licensed physical therapist encompass a variety of effective techniques and equipment intended to improve strength, range of motion, balance, coordination and gross motor skills. At More Than a Gym we offer intensive physical therapy programs individually designed for children with neurological disorders to achieve functional independence.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |