5. Exercises to improve position
Ernesto is 8
years old and
has early signs
of muscular
dystrophy.
Among other
problems, he
is developing
a swayback.
Ask Ernesto to
stand against a
wall and to pull
in his stomach
so that his lower
back comes as
close to the wall
as possible. Ask
him to try to
always stand that
way, and praise
him when he does.
EXERCISES 369
Because swayback is often partly caused by
weak stomach muscles, strengthening the
stomach muscles by doing ‘sit-ups’ may also
help. See if Ernesto can still do sit-ups—at
least part way, and have him do them twice
a day.
It is best to do sit-ups
with the knees bent.
(With legs straight,
the hip-bending
muscles may do
more work than the
stomach muscles.)
6. Exercises to improve balance and control
Celia is 3 and still
cannot walk without
being held up. She
has poor balance.
Many exercises and
activities might help her
improve her balance
and control of her
body. Here are 2 ideas
for different stages in
her development. For
other possibilities, see
Chapter 35 on Early
Stimulation.
Play games with her to see if she can
lift one leg, and then the other.
This will help her shift her weight
from side to side and keep her
balance.
After Celia
has learned to
walk alone, if
she still seems
unsteady,
walking on a
log or narrow
board may help
her to improve
her balance.
COMBINED EXERCISES
Often several kinds of exercises, involving different parts of the body, can be done
through one activity—often an ordinary activity that children enjoy.
For example, Kim, who is 8 years
old, had polio as a baby. His
Many of the exercises Kim needs
he can do by riding a bicycle.
right leg is weak, his knee
does not quite straighten,
and the heel cord of his right The biking position
foot is getting tight. He is also helps improve the
developing a sway back.
position of his back.
Learning to ride improves
his balance and his control,
so that all parts of his
body work smoothly together.
The movement of pedaling
gives range-of-motion
and stretching
exercises to his
knee.
Pushing the pedal
down strengthens
the thigh muscle.
Pushing down on the pedal
stretches the tight heel cord.
Note: Ordinary activities that exercise the whole body, like riding a bicycle or swimming, can
provide many of the exercises that a child needs. But sometimes specific exercises using special
methods are needed. Some special exercises are included in this chapter.
disabled village children