Age makes a difference: In an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), devices such as the Tumble Forms corner chair may be appropriately used by the team. Later, a Pediatric Tilt wheelchair or Rifton adaptive tricycle may be indicated
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Case Example: Level II Cerebral Palsy
Meet Lily, Age 7
Diagnosis:Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level II)
Abilities:Walks short distances independently but tires easily
Challenge:Fatigue limits participation in a full school day and recess activities
Intervention:Ground Reaction Ankle-Foot Orthosis (GRAFO)
With his GRAFO:
Improved alignment and knee extension
Reduced effort during walking
Able to walk independently through the school day
Greater independence and participation
Assistive technologyis not only about mobility—it’s aboutaccess, participation, and potential.
Therapists play a crucial rolein identifying and matching technology to the child’s functional goals
Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) is a type of cerebral palsy that primarily affects the lower limbs (legs). It is characterized by muscle stiffness (spasticity) and tightness in the legs, making it difficult to walk and maintain balance
Clinical reasoning: growth, size/weight (e.g., outgrowing stander, >40-50 lbs → ____ _____).
Re-evaluate frequently.
Consider family and environment factors.
lift system
Identify patient info, diagnosis, and functional deficits.
Justify need: safety, developmental benefit, caregiver burden.
Include why current equipment is not adequate.
Explain that you have trialed the equipment (or something very similar) and have had success.
List each specific accessory needed for the AT and provide rationalization (i.e. specific seat cushion for a wheelchair or rationale for certain size of wheels on walker).
Letter of Medical Necessity
Positioning Equipment
Examples: Side-lyers, corner chairs, wedges, adaptive seating.
goals?
Goals: Maintain alignment, posture, participation in feeding or play.
Consider growth and environmental setup (home, daycare, classroom).
Standers
Types: Prone, Supine, Sit-to-Stand, Mobile.
Benefits: Weight-bearing, bone density, hip integrity, social interaction.
Typical use: 45–60 minutes daily.
Standers
Types: Prone, Supine, Sit-to-Stand, Mobile.
Benefits: Weight-bearing, bone density, hip integrity, social interaction.
Typical use: _____ minutes daily.
45-60 minutes daily
Mobility Aids
Pre-ambulatory:
Upright Support for Ambulation:
Recreational:
Pre-ambulatory: Scooter boards, crawling devices.
Upright Support for Ambulation: Walkers (anterior or posterior), Gait trainers
Recreational: Tricycles, modified bicycles, battery ride-ons
Wheelchairs
Manual:
Power assist:
Powered:
Emphasize proper seating, alignment, and accessibility.
Manual: lightweight transportation, standard, tilt-in-space, sports specific
Power assist: hybrid for endurance limitations.
Powered: joystick or switch control for independent mobility.
Emphasize proper seating, alignment, and accessibility.
Definition of Childhood Obesity
ACSM Defines as: ‘Percent fat at which disease risk increases.’
CDC: BMI ≥ _____ percentile for age and sex.
BMI does not distinguish fat vs. lean mass — interpret carefully.
Use CDC growth charts for accurate percentile comparisons.
95th
Physical Activity Guidelines for Children
≥60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous activity.
Moderate = 5–6 exertion
Vigorous = 7–8 exertion.
Include aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-loading exercise 3+ days per week.
Activity planning for accessibility and inclusion.
Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity
Physical: High BP, type 2 diabetes insulin resistance, etc.
Respiratory: Sleep apnea, asthma.
MSK issues: Joint pain, gait
dysfunction, reduced endurance.
Psychosocial: Low self-esteem, depression, social isolation.
Motivating Children and Families
Encourage fun, inclusive fitness participation.
Start with manageable intensity; focus on regularity.
Use positive reinforcement — progress over performance.
Discourage peer comparison and emphasize intrinsic enjoyment.
PT role: Family education, role modeling, and collaboration with caregivers/educators
Integrating Pediatric PT Approaches
Family-centered, developmentally appropriate engagement.
Promote sustainable habits instead of weight-centric goals.
Connect movement to play and community participation.
Encourage goal-setting and tracking for both child and family units.
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Transverse fracture through the growth plate.
salter harris 2
Transverse fracture through the growth plate and an oblique or vertical fracture through the metaphysis.
salter harris 3
Transverse fracture through the growth plate and a vertical fracture through the epiphysis.
salter harris 4
Vertical fracture through all three components, metaphysis, physis and epiphysis.
salter harris 5
Compression fracture or crushing of the growth plate.