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CHILDREN'S SERVICES - STEPS TO INDEPENDENCE®
In order to set up an evaluation for your child to participate in the Steps to Independence program, please complete the Steps to Independence Screening Form as well as the Children's Services Intake Packet and return to:
United Cerebral Palsy
Attention: Children's Services
10011 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
To view the Steps to Independence® brochure, Please CLICK HERE.
Steps to Independence® is a unique, integrated intensive therapy approach for children with motor disorders that utilizes a team of physical and occupational therapists to help with muscle strengthening and fine and gross motor coordination.
Therapists have determined that, like athletes, children with motor disorders require intensive stretching, strengthening and conditioning in order to achieve higher functioning levels. One of the first organizations in the United States to study the outcomes of an integrated, intensive therapy program, United Cerebral Palsy found that the vast majority of children achieved greater success in meeting their functional goals through the Steps program than through prior extended periods of traditional therapy. United Cerebral Palsy therapists have documented marked increases in functional abilities in the children, who are seen for a three-four week period, three-five days a week, two-three hours a day. Working as a team, an occupational therapist and a physical therapist guide the child through warm-up, strengthening and functional activities.
Highly specialized equipment is utilized in the program. The Universal Exercise Unit, a special cage-like device equipped with a system of bungee cords connected to a wide hip belt, was developed more than 60 years ago by a Polish orthopedic surgeon as a means to strengthen muscles. The underlying principle of the Universal Exercise Unit is that the weakened muscle is unable to perform against gravitational forces, and that by suspending the exercised arm or leg and eliminating its weight, the individual is able to initiate the desired movement. Specific exercises performed in the Universal Exercise Unit allow for the re-training of an individual's nervous system. While strengthening muscles and improving function, the system of exercises performed in the Universal Exercise Unit contributes to gains in range of motion and improved muscle flexibility and tone.
For children with motor disorders, the Universal Exercise Unit may be used as a Pulley System by providing low-grade resistance and assistance to complete full range of motion. The child performs independent movements while gravity is eliminated through the suspension of the body part that is being exercised. It is used with weights for isolation of specific muscles to facilitate strengthening, active and passive range of motion and prevention of muscle atrophy and to prevent joint contractures.
The Universal Exercise Unit may also be used as the Spider where the system of elastic bands and a wide belt worn around the waist provides very dynamic vertical or horizontal suspension. The exercises performed in the Spider are intended to improve functional skills such as sitting, crawling, standing, walking, balance, coordination and
sensory-motor integration. Exercising in the Spider is not only fun for the child; it substitutes for the work of two additional therapists. Children with cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, vestibular disorders, traumatic brain injury, stroke, orthopedic issues and central nervous system disorders can make great strides in functional ability with consistent use of the Universal Exercise Unit.
The Universal Exercise Unit also may be used as a Suspension System so that the child's body is completely suspended to stimulate development of trunk stability as well as the vestibular sensory system. For some children, the benefits of exercise are maximized while their bodies are completely suspended.
The Therasuit, another cutting-edge device utilized in the agency's intensive therapy program, has its origins in Russian space suit technology designed to minimize the physical effects of space flight upon cosmonauts. The Therasuit provides joint compression and subsequently stimulates muscle activity, thereby diminishing muscle weakness and loss of bone density. It also generates resistance to body movements, which leads to further maintenance and development of muscle mass.
A lightweight vest/shirt/shorts/hat outfit, the Therasuit uses elastic cords that can be adjusted for length and tension to provide the child with correct body alignment and more typical movement patterns.
During therapy, the child performs a variety of functional and strengthening activities in the suit. Upon completion of the suit regimen, the child is given opportunities to practice functional activities of daily living without the suit.
Program Participation: Steps to Independence®
As a general rule, Steps to Independence® is appropriate for children 18 months of age and older. Suit therapy is designed for children three years of age and older with a variety of neuromuscular disorders. Due to the joint compression generated by the suit, children being considered for suit therapy may not have hip subluxation greater than 35 degrees or scoliosis greater than 25 degrees. Both programs can be adapted for children with other physical or behavioral concerns.
The team of therapists working with the child will develop an individualized program that incorporates a variety of warm-up activities including the use of hot packs and stretching. The Universal Exercise Unit and Therasuit, along with a variety of other equipment, may be incorporated into the child's treatment program. Active parent involvement is encouraged during treatment sessions. At the end of treatment, parents are provided home programs to help their child maintain the progress made during Steps.
For information, e-mail Intesar Taye or Pam Butler or call (216) 791-8363, Ext. 250.
To read Elsie's story, Please CLICK HERE.
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