Physiotherapy in Brain Tree child development centre

Balance training for children with muscular dystrophy (MD) focuses on improving postural control, stability, and safety during daily movements. Because muscle weakness and fatigue are core challenges, exercises should be gentle, supportive, and goal-oriented. Below are suitable balance training activities categorized by support level and type: ⸻ 🧍‍♂️ 1. Supported Balance Training (Early Stage or Severe Weakness) These activities should be done with therapist support or near stable surfaces (e.g., parallel bars, wall, or table). • Sitting balance on therapy ball: Sit on a therapy ball with therapist support, gently shift side-to-side or forward-backward to activate trunk muscles. • Weight shifting in sitting: Child sits on a stable chair and moves body weight from one hip to the other. • Reaching activities: Reach for toys or objects in different directions while sitting to improve trunk control. • Supported standing with wall or walker: Encourage short periods of standing with light support to build endurance. ⸻ 🧒 2. Semi-Supported Balance Activities When some trunk and leg control is present, move toward partially supported activities. • Heel-toe standing at wall: Stand heel-to-toe with wall or railing support, maintaining posture for 10–20 seconds. • Stepping over low obstacles: Use cones or foam blocks; hold a support while stepping over slowly. • Static standing on foam pad or balance board: Provides sensory feedback and strengthens stabilizing muscles. • Ball toss in standing: Toss or roll a ball back and forth with mild balance challenge. ⸻ 🦶 3. Dynamic Balance Training (Moderate to Good Strength) For children who can stand independently with mild weakness. • Tandem walking (heel-to-toe walking): Improves dynamic control and foot placement. • Obstacle course: Include small hurdles, balance beams, and stepping stones. • Side stepping or cross stepping: Strengthens hip abductors and improves lateral balance. • Reaching and catching games: Combine balance with fun — reaching up or to the side while standing. ⸻ 💪 4. Aquatic Balance Therapy Water reduces gravity effects and provides resistance — excellent for MD children. • Walking or marching in waist-deep water • Floating and balance correction games • Kickboard pushing or gentle water resistance exercises ⸻ 🧘‍♀️ 5. Core Strength and Postural Control Essential for balance maintenance. • Bridging on mat (hip lift in supine position) • Modified planks (on knees or wall) • Seated trunk rotations with a ball • Therapy ball exercises for dynamic trunk stability ⸻