The group is now incorporating Phase II activities within their exercise sessions. The goal of Phase I was to initiate function into important postural muscles that tend to lose function in sedentary individuals. While performing these exercises, we are looking for improvements, such as muscles contractions and the firing patterns of the muscles being used (the order of the contractions). The group as a whole has seen success in these areas at this point and has begun to move a little more dynamically.
We have increased the intensity of their walking program to incorporate an increased amount of ankle flexion. The first four to five weeks were focused on the gait pattern (walking mechanics) and based on the success seen in this area, we have “upped” the intensity of the walking with this addition.
As the efficiency of each session increases, we have set aside time at the end of each session for some gaming. It is a substantial motivation for each child during their session to know that there is some time for fun at the end. The game of choice at this time seems to be kickball. The group is extremely and surprisingly competitive!
