United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I need some more weight bearing ideas for my daughter...she is very clever with using her stomach muscles in a lot of the normal weight bearing exercises. (She is 5)

Thanks in advance...

trying to think of things for older kids.....

Twister

the on the floor big piano keyboard that you're supposed to play with your feet but you can crawl on it..

Going to a place like Chuck E Cheese or Burger King where they have those huge indoor crawly things that go up 2-3 stories...but it's all hands and knees.

if I think up more, I'll post again,
francine

My little one is only 18 mths. but trying to think of a few ideas. There is the traditional wheelbarrow game & races. Kids always seem to love playing games and competition, what about mom or dad even getting on all fours and having crawling races in the house, down the hall, on the yard, or wherever. Are hand stands and cart wheels a possibility? Maybe not. They say crawling is one of the best and since our guy has started walking you can't get him to crawl. I recently purchased one of those big crawling tunnels from Flaghouse (therapy magazine) and it is a fun way to get some weight bearing in. Older kids like using our tunnel too and have a blast playing with it. You can play chase and make up other games. I bought the bigger tunnel so I can crawl in it too. Also it totally collapses, so we often keep it in the living room. Trampolines aren't the safest thing but kids in the neighborhood often play games, chase, etc. and crawl around in circles. I could use more ideas myself, good luck! Elisa

Twister what a great idea!

Nicki

Hmmm, Twister... well, it sounds like a great idea, but I guess it depends upon the level of function in the child and also the level of frustration that they have. I've read discussions on the adult board in the past and most will tell you that they did NOT like the game and that it's very frustrating. Perhaps it might be okay at home w/just the family, but not something they'd want to do with peers. Just a thought. -Tina

Yes, we have tried twister...she is very clever though with using those derned stomach muscles. I think I will have to try the wheel barrow walk up the steps or on the floor. Her therapist says she needs to do more weight bearing because she feels her arm is getting a little weak...thanks for the inputs...