Physical Therapist Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley Villa Park, Illinois, United States
Purpose: The purpose of the project is to describe the successful implementation, functional effects, and feedback from participants and caregivers of a weekly individualized yoga program in a pediatric physical therapy outpatient setting.
Description: A pediatric physical therapist with a background as a certified yoga instructor formed a yoga group. The clients presented with impairments in range of motion, strength, postural control, motor planning, balance, and endurance. Functional goals included climbing stairs with a reciprocal pattern to carry an item, running to keep up with siblings on the playground, and increasing compliance with a home program. The focus of the group was to increase the amount of time a pose was held, combine poses together with individualized tactile, verbal, and visual feedback, and introduce aerobic bursts with play schemes, all while incorporating breath with movement. A visual goal chart was provided to track progress and motivate clients to reach their chosen goal with collaboration from their family.
Summary of Use: After the program, all participants achieved their functional goals and reported feeling proud, happy, and calm. Parents reported an increase in confidence to try new activities, interact with peers, and noted self-initiated rest breaks if feeling stressed. Caregivers also felt motivated to encourage a yoga home program.
Importance to Members: Yoga can have positive effects on physical, mental, and emotional health. It can be individualized and be done almost anywhere. Creating a program with a defined amount of time is an opportunity to empower clients and their families to work towards their goals.
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