Physical exercise can be a beneficial tool for therapists when dealing with patients with developmental disabilities or mental retardation, according the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. They note that a common symptom of people suffering from developmental disabilities is muscular imbalances, so these exercises are designed to work the muscles of a joint simultaneously to ensure a balanced strength training regimen. Consult with a doctor before starting any rehabilitative program involving a patient suffering from developmental disabilities.
Symmetrical Push
The symmetrical push is often called a wall push-up, and is recommended as a bilateral therapy by a December 1994 article in the "Journal of Physical Therapy." The patient stands in front of a counter or other support surface and places both hands on the surface for support. Both elbows are bent, and the patient's weight is brought forward before he uses both arms to push his body weight away from the wall or other support surface. The patient can then move one hand away from the support and use the other hand to support his weight. This exercise should be performed using both hands in order to promote muscular symmetry.
Bent-Arm Hang
This exercise most commonly requires a swimming pool, but can also be done out of the water using a common pull-up bar. The patient is placed in water at about chest level and is instructed to grab onto a horizontal rod placed over her head, lifting her body out of the water by bending both arms. Time the patient on how long she can hold her body weight out of the water, and repeat the exercise as directed by the doctor or therapist. According to a 2009 issue of the "Journal of Human Kinetics," this exercise has been shown to be effective at increasing arm strength in patients suffering from mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.
Arm Flexion
Patients can perform this exercise using objects found around the house, or using a dumbbell, according to Dr. James Rimmer at StrengthForCaring.com. Use a jug of milk, can of food or other weight to perform curls and straight-arm lifts several times a day. Instruct the patient to lift the object to shoulder height while keeping his arm straight to build strength in his shoulder muscles. Patients can also perform seated or standing curls by holding the object, letting their arms hang by their sides and then bending their elbows to curl the weight toward their bodies.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Physical Activity for Persons with Mental Retardation
- "Journal of Physical Therapy": An Exploratory of Righting Reactions fronm Supine to a Standing Positions in Adults with Down Syndrome
- "Journal of Human Kinetics": The Effects of Water Exercises and Swimming on Physical Fitness of Children with Mental Retardation
- Strength for Caring: Aging, Mental Retardation and Physical Fitness
