Core Strengthening in Pediatrics

"It all starts with the core" is a common phrase used amongst physical and occupational therapists in all settings. All developmental movement starts with the core beginning with head control and moving up the developmental spectrum to having strong lateral hips to perform high level plyometrics and everything in between. A strong knowledge of the core as a foundation for movement, stability, and posture will assist the clinician in designing effective exerciseprograms and treatment interventions. Pediatric clinicians see patients with a wide array of ages, impairments and motor abilities, and patients in all gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels can benefit from core activation to assist at the impairment, functional mobility, and activity levels. Often the knowledge of these exercises is gleaned only through experience, which makes it hard to design exercise programs without frequent exposure to different populations. Once the basic knowledge of the core anatomy, muscle action, and muscle function is obtained the clinician is charged with creating exercises and home programs that allow activation of needed muscle groups and provide carryover to function. This course will provide insight intocore exercises useful across the age and motor ability span and rationale for specific diagnosis.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients ages 0-22 months old.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants

Highlights

• Practical and easy-to-implement strategies for strengthening and core and activating muscles needed to progress through developmental spectrum
• Improve treatment sessions and outcomes with focus on core activation and stability