Activities for core and upper extremity strengtheningCHRISTY HANSEN, MOTR/L JEAN WATTS, OTR/L CHILDRENS THERAPY CENTER OF THE QUAD CITIES

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Anatomy of the core

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Anatomy of the core

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Anatomy of the arm

Populations that would benefit from core and upper extremity strengthening.y Cerebral Palsy y Traumatic Brain Injury y Down Syndrome y ADHD y Autism y Erbs Palsy/brachial plexus injury y Developmental Delay

Why do you need core strength?y The core consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine

and pelvis. These muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder and provide a foundation for movement in the extremities. y Core strengthening exercises need to target all these muscle groups to be effective. y The muscles of the core make it possible to stand upright and move on two feet. These muscles help control movements, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back. It also helps with proper breath support and the ability to fully inhale and exhale.http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/Abdominal_Exercises_and_Core_Strength.htm

Activities for core strengtheningy Proper posture- sitting up right, head in midline y y y y y y y y

(neutral) Trunk rotation Trunk flexion/extension (forward and backward) Lateral movements (side to side) Bilateral integration (incorporating both sides of the body) Crossing midline with arms or legs or both Sitting or standing on a dynamic/moveable surface Deep breathing activities (bubbles, whistles, party blowers) Moving away from the base of support

Upper extremity range of motiony Shoulder flexion/extension, horizontal y y y y

abduction/adduction Elbow flexion/extension Wrist flexion/extension and rotation Ulnar and radial deviation Pronation/Supination

Activities for upper extremity strengtheningy Crossing midline (great time to add a rhythmic

component) y Wrist weights y Isometric exercises y Reaching in different directions (placing a ring on a pole, getting something out of a pocket on the saddle and placing it in a different pocket)

Fine motor activitiesy The use of small items to promote finger dexterity,

strengthen small muscles of the hand, and refine fine motor skills. y Examples:

Nuts and bolts Stringing beads Lacing cards Rubiks Cube Pop beads Clothing fasteners (buttons, zippers, snaps)

Adaptations to Activitiesy Use smaller or larger ranges of motion. y Add or take away extra weight. y Add or take away the amount of support you are

giving. y Increase or decrease the amount of repetitions. y Increase or decrease the amount of accuracy needed to complete an activity. y Completing activities while the horse is moving, or standing still.

Precautionsy Make sure there is clearance from a medical professional

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for the individual to engage in the activity. This is especially important following surgery. Movements should be slow and controlled to allow for increasing endurance and giving the muscle a chance to stretch. Quick uncontrolled movements are more likely to cause injury. The adding of weights and repetitions should be done gradually. Discontinue an activity if there are signs of pain.