Our friends at Leckey understand the importance of empowering children with neurological challenges through innovative solutions. They have put together this useful guide, packed with information on the benefits of standing and activity ideas.
Standing frames can positively impact bone density, cardiovascular function, digestion, and more. You can engage your child in enjoyable activities that make standing time an adventure, fostering increased alertness, self-confidence, and socialization.
Our Summary on each Benefit:
- Bone Density: Standing for as little as 60-90 minutes, five times a week, can have a positive impact on bone density. This can lead to stronger bones, reducing the risk of fractures.
- Cardiovascular Function: Standing improves blood pressure, heart rate, and reduces leg and foot swelling. It enhances circulation, promoting overall cardiovascular health.
- Digestion and Toileting: Standing aids digestion and helps manage constipation, providing relief for children who often face gastrointestinal challenges.
- Respiration and Voice Control: Standing allows for better diaphragm movement, leading to improved respiration and voice control.
- Skin Integrity: By reducing the pressure on sitting bones and sacrum, standing helps prevent potential skin breakdown and supports skin repair.
- Increased Alertness and Self-Confidence: Standing fosters improved alertness, concentration, and self-esteem. It allows children to interact with their environment at eye level with their peers.
- Hip Joint Integrity: Supported standing can prevent the need for repeated hip surgeries and enhance hip range of movement.
- Reducing Spasticity: For children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy, standing can reduce muscle spasms and increase muscle flexibility.
- Improved Socialization: Standing frames promote better socialization and engagement with the environment, enhancing a child’s overall mental and physical development.
What Activities Can Children Do in a Standing Frame?
Engaging and enjoyable activities are essential to keep children active and motivated while using a standing frame. Activities should cater to improving tolerance and occupying the stander’s time.
If you’re looking for inspiration, our friends at Leckey have put together two useful resources with suggestions and inspiration!