Therapy in the Great Outdoors: Exploring the Potential of Nature-Based Pediatric Physical Therapy

In our high-tech world, children are engaging in more sedentary screen time indoors and far less active play outdoors than previous generations. We see rising rates of childhood obesity and developmental delays in young children. As a potential solution to these modern-day problems of childhood, nature-based therapy is an emerging practice area in allied healthcare. A robust body of evidence suggests outdoor play in nature may improve children’s endurance, strength, coordination, and physical health. In this session, you'll learn what research says about how nature may augment physical therapy outcomes for the children and families you serve, plus practical considerations for taking your work outdoors. We'll discuss therapist competencies needed for working outdoors (it’s different than indoor therapy!), 2 different ways to structure your outdoor therapy services, how to choose a good location for outdoor services, and safety considerations. You'll also learn some easy evidence-based ways to integrate nature into your current work with children as a PT or PTA in almost any practice setting.