In 2020, we stopped physical therapies, then COVID happened. So, I started looking for enjoyable and effective physical activities to keep her moving at home. My goal was to have fun, strengthen her muscles, improve her movements, and meet her sensory needs.
Hurdles
When we stopped physical therapy for Veda, I invested in a few cost-effective equipment, and one of them was this hurdle. You might be thinking, “But my child is not old enough to jump this high, so what is the use of this equipment?” Let me tell you, before working on that, our kids need to work on their balance, body awareness, and gross motor planning.
Stepping over this hurdle has helped V to balance her body and weight-bearing. Initially, there were many failed attempts as she wasn’t aware of her body and where it’s moving while raising her leg. After many attempts, she got her balance and was able to control her movements.
These skills are important to accomplish day-to-day tasks and physical activities.
A fun activity that offers visual cues and promotes motor planning skills. You need to jump. You can also use a rope, Theraband, colorful tape, etc.
Obstacle course
Obstacle courses have so much to offer. Not only are they fun, but they can also be very beneficial for our kids’ emotional and physical well-being. In this video, V is walking in a narrow pattern, side walking, stepping up and down, and then walking between the cones.
My purpose for this obstacle was to motivate V to work on her gait (pattern of walking), balance, body awareness, control, and problem-solving skills.
I used folded mats, a bathroom stool, rubber mat corners, but you can add a play tunnel, cushions, a hula hoop, etc.
If your child has eye issues, then start slowly with a simple obstacle course.
V’s therapist introduced weights into her workouts, and we experienced significant improvements in her tone and strength. Even after discontinuing her therapy sessions, I continued to incorporate weights into her home exercises.
Video 1 – Lower body strengthening workout with two basic equipment available at home, a moda and some weights.
Video 2 – V is working on her upper body, mainly her shoulders, by pulling 6kg weights. We started with 2kg and 3kg, then moved up to 5kg. Even 5kg was super easy for her. This full-body workout aims to strengthen her glutes, quads, hands, and shoulders, as well as improve her endurance and body strength. . Note: It’s a cloth bag from a grocery shop, and I have added a canvas belt as a rope.
Weights can be harmful for your child if not used under the guidance of a professional, so please ask your therapist if your child even needs them or start with the minimum weight, like 1/2 kg, and gradually increase it as per your child’s weight.
Squats
Squat is V’s favourite activity, and we have been doing it since she started walking. We are regular in practicing basic squats and squats with a medicine ball. Not only has her stability improved, but we have also seen a tremendous change in her muscle strength.
Here she is working on her glutes, quads, and stability on the balance board. Doing squats on a balance board is an extreme level, but nothing is impossible for this girl. We do it once in a while to challenge her, work on coordination, and core strength.
Disclaimer: Don’t start doing squats on a balance board. Trust me, it’s a difficult skill to achieve.
Let me know your favourite fun Physical Therapy Activities in comments!!!
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