I am continuing this series taking a closer look at small businesses that are owned and operated by Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists. Today, the focus is on custom yoga mats created by Rebecca, a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Q: First just tell a little bit about yourself – job experience, years on the job, etc. […]
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on in class sensory activities and on task performance of 4 students with autism using a non-concurrent, AB single system research design across multiple baselines. Data was collected by school staff using video recording during classroom tasks. Stage one of the Perceive, Recall, Plan, Perform (PRPP) System of Task […]
The Functional Skills for Kids is a 12-month long series written by occupational and physical therapy bloggers on the development of 12 functional skills for children. This month the topic is the playground. Each month throughout 2016, we will discuss the development of one functional skill in children addressing the many components of that skill. […]
Recent research examined the effect of postural management treatment on hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy. The treatment group consisted of 30 children with cerebral palsy who received neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) two times per week and a 5 hour daily use of a molded seat postural program. The control group (21 children with cerebral palsy) […]
As school based therapists, we are required to work towards IEP goals that will help students reach their educational goals. Many times we know there is so much more we can help to teach children beyond just educational goals. Have you ever considered starting a recreational or leisure program for children? How about plan a […]
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research comparing 17 adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy to their typically developing peers to examine the relationship between muscle endurance and subjectively reported fatigue, walking capacity, and participation. For each participant, knee extensor muscle endurance was estimated from individual load–endurance curves as the load corresponding to a 15-repetition maximum. The […]
I LOVE pool noodles. So cheap and so versatile to encourage fine motor, visual and gross motor skills. Here are some things we have done with pool noodles to practice motor skills: 1. Pool Noodle Parts and Colored Chips 2. Pool noodle stick 3. Pool noodle seat 4. Motor Planning and Pool Noodles […]
As school based therapists, we are frequently working on gross motor skills in small spaces. In my experience, I have worked in crowded classrooms, hallways, under stairwells and even closets. You have to come up with creative ideas to get students moving without the benefits of a large gym or outdoor space. Here are 5 […]
Some students may have difficulties keeping up with their peers in physical education class, recess or walking in a classroom line. Finding feasible endurance activities can be difficult in the school setting. One school I worked at actually had a gorgeous work out room with treadmills, exercise bicycles, ellipticals and full nautilus equipment. The reality […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on whether focused attention changed as sitting postural control improved in 19 children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (mean age 21.47 months). Each participant was evaluated for focused attention and sitting scores pre and post intervention. The intervention consisted of physical therapy sessions (perceptual motor training, home program and […]