Equipment helps children walk independently

New equipment donated to Adventist Paulson Pediatric Rehabilitation Center is helping children with physical limitations improve their quality of life. The universal exercise unit, a device used to help children learn to walk independently, is expected to benefit countless children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.

Four-year-old Owen Chaidez, the first patient to use the technology, already has made remarkable progress improving his limited range of motion; the Downers Grove boy cannot walk due to arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a disorder characterized by reduced mobility of multiple joints. Owen's arms and legs have limited range of motion and he has undergone therapy at Adventist Paulson Pediatric Rehab since he was two weeks old.

"Physically, he's gained so much range of motion in just a few weeks," said Maggie Chaidez, Owen's mom. "But the emotional gains have been just as incredible. Instead of rolling on the floor to get where he needs, now he wants to walk all the time. He's becoming more independent. Between visits to Paulson, he constantly asks when we're going back there."

By increasing strength and range of motion, isolating the weakened muscle groups, and eliminating gravitational forces on the weak muscles, the exercise unit improves balance and coordination, promotes motor skills and enhances a child's self-confidence. The design concept is based on technology originally invented to counteract the negative effects, such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis, experienced by astronauts due to lack of gravity. The unit counteracts the force of gravity that prevents weakened muscles from performing.

The unit is used in two different ways. First, a treatment bed or chair is used with a system of pulleys and suspensions with the primary goal of improving strength, active range of motion, and muscle flexibility. Alternatively, a suspension system used with a belt and elastic cords (dubbed the "spider cage" by the pediatric patients who use it) helps children achieve gains in balance, coordination and function. The child wears a belt hooked into bungee cords that suspend and support the child in the middle of the cage. This provides just the right amount of support needed to allow the patient to perform exercises virtually independently, which aids sitting, crawling, standing, walking, climbing and jumping.

Because children with neurological disorders often lack muscle tone, coordination, strength and balance, they often try to perform a specific movement using their upper and lower extremities simultaneously. The UEU, along with specific exercises performed in it, allows the therapist to re-train the child to isolate one extremity from the other and move it independently, helping develop a normal gait and, eventually, learn to walk on their own.



"This equipment has allowed us to do intensive therapy with Owen," said his physical therapist, Carrie Crozier-Arena. "It's a huge help to me because it supports him, freeing me to concentrate on his individual muscle movements instead of having to hold him in place and work his muscles at the same time."



The equipment was donated to the rehab center by the Burr Ridge-based The Lazzara Family Foundation, founded by Philip and Antoinette Lazzara in 1984 to support nonprofit organizations in the areas of education, health care, and human services. The foundation donated $6,150 for the equipment, accessories and employee training.



"We are pleased to support the amazing children who rely on Adventist Paulson Pediatric Rehabilitation Center and its dedicated team of therapists through our grant program," said Jack Lazzara, on behalf of The Lazzara Family Foundation. "We believe it's important to invest in our local communities to provide opportunities for improving the lives of others and we're delighted that Owen and his friends are benefiting so greatly from this new equipment."



Hinsdale Hospital Foundation is seeking another $10,000 for additional training and specialized full-body suits used in conjunction with the unit in order to expand its use to bigger children who need to wear larger size suspension suits.



"We're extremely grateful to The Lazzara Family Foundation for their generosity," said Susan King, executive director of the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation. "Our hope is that their seed grant will inspire additional donations allowing us to serve even more children in our community."

One small step for Connor, one big step to help others

TEARS streamed down Wendy Jones's face as she watched her little boy take his very first steps.

Courageous Connor Lamb has learned how to walk – at the age of five.

"I counted as he went," said 30-year-old Wendy. "He managed 19 steps. How fantastic was that? We are really proud of him.
"It has taken him a long time to learn how to walk."
Connor was born with a life-threatening brain defect which delayed his development and movement. Following brain surgery, he was still unable to crawl at the age of three and was forced to spend his early years sitting on the floor.
Before his first birthday, Connor had endured two operations to treat his hydrocephalus, which is also known as fluid on the brain.
"He had a rough time after he was born," explains Wendy, who works as a teacher. "He spent his first Christmas in hospital after developing an infection and that set his development back even further.
"The first operation failed so he had to have another one. Surgery controls the conditions and allows people with hydrocephalus to lead a normal life.
"Surgeons fitted a shunt which drains the fluid from the brain. It was absolutely vital."
Connor, a pupil at Hilton Primary School, can now walk with the help of specialist splints which support his legs.
But Wendy, from Foston, believes Connor's success is all thanks to an independent therapy unit in Shropshire.
"Connor started going to the centre in 2008 and the changes in his development have been amazing," she said.

"We managed to secure funding from our local NHS trust and these sessions at the centre changed Connor's life. We can't thank enough the team who have worked with our son and helped him get on his feet.
"It has been an emotional journey but one which has a happy ending."
As a way of thanking The Movement Centre and highlighting its work, Connor asked his mum if he could raise money for the clinic.
On Sunday, he will set off on a sponsored walk around Branston Water Park.
With the help of his walking frame, and perhaps a hand from his mum and grandmother Daphne Broomfield, Connor plans to complete a short walk along the footpath.
"I don't know how far Connor will be able to go," said Wendy. "It's quite a walk. I think it would probably take me half an hour so Connor is going to need a little bit of help.
"But it's the taking part that counts and walking is his biggest achievement."
It is Connor's wish to raise enough money to pay for another child's treatment who might not be eligible for NHS funding. Each block of therapy, which can last a number of months, costs around £2,000. Connor needed two.

"It's very expensive," said Wendy. "But when you see how much it has helped Connor, you can't fail to want it for your child."
The Movement Centre, near Wales, is an independent, not-for-profit therapy centre dedicated to helping children with problems of movement control. It mainly deals with children with cerebral palsy and other severe conditions which affect mobility.
Wendy contacted the centre in July 2008 and asked if Connor could be assessed. After their first consultation, staff agreed to work with Connor.
"We were thrilled to get a place," said Wendy, who has another son, 22-month-old Reece. It was brilliant. I'd been told how wonderful it was and I really wanted Connor to go.
"I was desperate to help my son, that's why I got in touch.''
Connor started the programme only being able to sit on his bottom. He couldn't stand or walk or crawl.
Staff devised Connor his personal physiotherapy programme and made unique pieces of equipment to help him get around.

Between sessions at the unit, Wendy was shown how to help her son progress.
"I had to strap Connor into his frame for 30 minutes every day," said Wendy. "It supported him whilst he stood upright.
"The equipment helped to strengthen muscles and get him used to being in a vertical position. We also had lots of physiotherapy to do. We had targets to achieve.
"We went back to the unit every two months so the frame could be altered and his development assessed.
"We had two frames, together with physiotherapy and it really helped Connor find his feet. We had to do all kinds of exercises but the hard work paid off.
"In the beginning Connor learned how to pull himself up on things and then he was able to take his own weight.
"Within no time at all, he showed some positive results. I was thrilled. We all were. When we actually took his first steps I was totally overwhelmed. We all cried. It was so emotional."
Wendy and her partner, Stephen Lamb, 29, a duty manager for rail firm Stagecoach, believes life has never been better for Connor.

He loves school, has made some firm friends and is able to walk around like other five-year-old children. Specialist splints still aid his mobility, but they're not visible.
"He just wants to be like every other little boy," said Wendy. "And now he is. He's such a determined child. I'm so glad that he's done so well."
Wendy knew Connor had problems with his brain even before he was born. At her 20-week scan she was told that something was wrong with her unborn baby.
"I was totally devastated to hear that," said Wendy. "Connor was my first baby so it was just awful news to receive.
"I was transferred to Birmingham Women's Hospital where I had more tests.
"It was a worrying time because at first we didn't know exactly what would be wrong with Connor. Pregnancy defect – that's what medics banded about and that worried me even more."
After Connor was born he was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where he was assessed. A scan confirmed he had hydrocephalus.
"It was exhausting," said Wendy. "We didn't know much about the condition and that worried us more.
"He had to have two operations on his brain and as a new mum I was petrified. We were in and out of hospital because he kept getting ill and developing infections."

Wendy has battled every step of the way to get the right treatment for her son and her hard work has paid off. Now she's enjoying a more laid back life with her two, very happy and very mobile children.
"I can't thank everyone enough for what they have done for Connor and me and my family," she said.
"Dig deep and help raise some money for Connor's walk – that's all I ask."
Penny Butler, lead physiotherapist at The Movement Centre, said: "We are thrilled to hear about Connor's sponsored walk. He has made such huge progress since he started coming to us.
"His efforts to raise money for us are much appreciated. Around 40% of the children we treat here do not secure NHS funding. This money could make such a difference to people's lives."

For ways to donate, e-mail Wendy at wendy19804@yahoo.co.uk

Rehabilitative Benefits of the Nintendo Wii

by Holly McCarthy on May 14, 2009
This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog, contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of the sports management degree programs at an accredited university. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com.

Kids and Adults with disabilities can benefit from recieve rehabilitative benefits from playing Wii, besides having fun!

The Nintendo Wii has been one of the most popular game systems this decade and has even been used in rehabilitative applications for people coping with a variety of ailments. A little over a year ago doctors in Canada thought of using the system, which had been used as entertainment for young spinal cord injury recovering patients, and as therapy for patients after strokes.
What they began to realize is that this system, the Nintendo Wii, could be just what is needed to help with rehabilitation because of its ease of use and friendly interface. There are several benefits of using the Wii in rehabilitative treatments (commonly termed at Wii-hab), a few of which will be explored below.
Balance - Whether the patient is standing or sitting in a wheelchair, the controllers used to play the Wii console require balance and proper form for the best results. Using a standing frame while playing Wii can promote movement while standing, which research has shown to improve bone mineral density and strengthening.
Hand-Eye Coordination - Over time, hand-eye coordination improves through the use of video games. This is especially true of the Wii since the players’ movements are mimicked on the screen.
Entertainment - Therapy becomes more enjoyable when put in the context of a game. People who use a standing frame for Physical or Occupational Therapy can prolong their standing time by “multi-tasking” by playing Wii.
Competitive Spirit - The competitive spirit in patients who may not otherwise be able to compete is awakened. This can be great for increasing social skills as well as self-esteem.
Extension of Therapy to Home ­- While many things that are found in a therapists office are far too cost-prohibitive to be kept at home, the Wii is an affordable method of treatment that can be taken beyond the office and into the home for around $250. Additionally, friends and family can play along and join in the fun.
Helps With Memory, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Skills - All of these skills are honed through the use of video games according to studies, which may or may not be good news for parents. Playing sophisticated games helps with short-term, long-term, and muscle memory. Strategic games require problem solving and decision making skills, all of which help to enhance the experience.
The Nintendo Wii is finding enthusiasts of many abilities these days. Games and hardware have made participating in many activities from the comfort of your own home possible with a small price tag that can bring benefits to those in and out of rehabilitation care.
Have you used the Nintendo Wii for rehab or fun? What games have you enjoyed the most?

Movement strengthens the brain

Professional development days let teachers keep learning, from educators and the community. Later this month, they’ll have an opportunity to take a workshop with yoga instructor Melissa Verton Rinvold of Blue Eagle Yoga in Vernon.

Verton Rinvold will demonstrate movement techniques, not yoga, that are designed to make the brain stronger, smarter and more balanced, which makes the body healthier and more functional. The movement can be done in the classroom without any special equipment and some teachers are already using it as part of the 30 minutes per day of physical activity now required for all students.

“Athletes have long known about the benefits of yoga for recovering from injury and building strength and endurance. I have adapted the principals and written an illustrated manual that is so clear that the exercises could be used in groups, as part of individual station training or as preparation for taking part in sports,” said Verton Rinvold, who calls the program Smart Movement.

“There are also benefits to the brain. The movements connect with breathing and the cross co-ordination circuits the brain to work harder and become more creative. This is much more than exercise, it is training the brain. When I have done presentations to children and young people, I have found that they are interested in learning how their bodies work and what they can do.”

Verton Rinvold, originally from Chicago, began practising yoga when she was 17 to recover from a car accident and found that it also improved her concentration in her pre-med studies at university. She decided instead to pursue her interest in dance and art and studied yoga when she moved to San Francisco. While she studied many forms of yoga, she specialized in Raja yoga, the oldest form, which concentrates on the importance of breathing leading to flexibility and endurance. She also studied kinesiology, anatomy and homeopathy at university levels.

She has also worked with children with asthma, autism, cerebral palsy and brain damage.

She has worked with adults with a variety of needs, including physical and mental challenges, psychological issues, recovering from illness or injury and conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“I am so passionate about my work because it works. With the proper training, the body can support what is decided in the mind. I impart these powerful principles, tools and techniques that have for thousands of years claimed specific cures and approaches for health and well being,” said Verton Rinvold, who moved to Vernon 10 years ago, where she teaches groups and individuals as well as leading workshops and co-ordinating yoga/dance projects for community organizations. She also designs programs for sports teams and is working on a series of manuals with yoga for specific conditions.

“Breathing is the essence of life that enhances all aspects of life. It’s empowering. It’s something I do regularly to make me happier and healthier. When people take these tools and use them, they really work but they have to do the work and apply the principles. I’ve never not seen it work.”

For more information call 250-503-0255 or e-mail blueeagleyoga@yahoo.ca.