by Matt Mitchell, PT, DPT
Sitting balance is a crucial ability. Imagine all the time we spend sitting. But is it necessarily sitting still? Children need sitting balance in order to reach for a toy, change positions, and even participate in activities of daily living such as eating or dressing. But how do we improve this important developmental skill?
A recently published research article in the journal of physiotherapy theory and practice looked at the impact of physical therapy using hippotherapy on developing sitting balance. The researchers used the Tekscan CONFORMat seat pressure mapping technology to evaluate the changes in children’s center of pressure while sitting astride the horse at 5 different time points along a 36-week hippotherapy program. The researchers found children with cerebral palsy made significant improvements in sitting balance after each 12-week period with best sitting posture at 36 weeks of intervention!
Interestingly, they also evaluated center of pressure changes after a 6-week long break from therapy. The researchers found that sitting balance worsened after this time, though it was still improved compared to the start of hippotherapy for the sample. This illustrates the importance of continuing physical therapy treatments on a regular basis with limited interruptions in order to reach the best results. Check out the article for more details.
Sitting balance, like many other motor skills, is something that needs to be practiced. Sitting on the horse is one way to work on sitting balance. Other ways include sitting on different surfaces, sitting in different postures, reaching to grab toys or objects while sitting down, transitioning between sitting and floor play. Sitting balance can be measured with the modified functional reach test. You can easily measure the distance a client can reach forward and sideways and track progress over time. Check out how Shea Center physical therapists help clients develop balance.
COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in so many ways. Here at The Shea Center, we recognize the importance of continuing therapy services to meet the functional goals and needs of our clients. We are prepared to meet our clients’ needs with a spacious eight acres of outdoor space, upgraded HVAC filters and UV lights in all indoor spaces, and extensive safety protocols to make therapy safe and effective. We are now accepting new clients to participate in hippotherapy! Click here to enroll online today.
