46 chapter 5
You can copy this sheet, or one like it, and give it to parents together with a flexikin. Be
sure that you also show them how to use it and then watch them use it.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE FLEXIKIN
We have given you a ‘flexikin’ so that you can measure and see the progress that
your child is making with his exercises or aids.
We suggest you take a new measurement every______________________________ .
Do it like this:
1. Have your child take the position you want
to measure (for example, straighten his
knee as much as he can).
2. Put the flexikin in
exactly the position
the child is in. To
do this hold the
flexikin at a distance
between your eye
and the child so that
it appears the same
size as the child. This
will let you line it up
exactly.
3. Without moving the
position of the flexikin,
trace it onto a large piece
of paper. The first time
trace the whole body.
Each time measure the
child in the same posture.
This example
shows how
exercises
have helped
straighten a
contracted
knee.
For later recordings, you only need to trace the part or parts you are measuring. Each
time you record a measurement, write the date.
In certain cases you may want
to measure how far the child
can straighten an arm or leg by
herself, and how far you are able
to straighten it for her (little by
little without forcing).
Make 2 columns.
In one, record
how far the child
can move it by
herself. In the
other column
record how far
she can move it
with help.
CAUTION: When you
straighten the limb,
support it close to the
joint. This prevents
injury.
Here you see
the progress of a leg
until it became straight
and a brace could be
made for it.
Disabled village Children