Exercises for Children with Neurological Conditions: Lower Limb Strengthening (Hip - Active Assisted)

Safety precautions when exercising

Your exercise regime

Hip (active-assisted) exercises

Lower limb strengthening exercises help to maintain and improve functional strength in the core muscles and lower limb joints. It also assists with overall circulation and encourages functional mobility.

Strengthening exercises are important to maintain and improve functional strength in the core muscles and the lower limb joints. It also assists with overall circulation and encourages functional mobility.

Safety precautions when exercising

Ensure that you had been taught the recommended exercises by a physiotherapist before carrying them out.
Ensure the child is near a supporting surface or an attentive adult during exercises especially balance activities.
Observe for signs of pain or discomfort – if pain occurs, stop and check in with your physiotherapist before continuing further.

Your exercise regime

Repeat exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist – check in with your therapist on the recommended number of sets per day

Ensure adequate rest and hydration between sets

Hip (active-assisted) exercises

Active-assisted bridging

Aim: To strengthen the abdominals, hip muscles, and the muscles at back of the child’s thighs.

Instructions: Position the child lying on their back. Push your hands against the child’s feet and encourage them to lift their hips off the bed. Ensure the child’s body is kept horizontal.

Do 20 repetitions, each time holding for 10 seconds if possible

Assisted sit-to-stand

Aim: To improve sit to stand quality and strengthen lower limbs.

Instructions: Position the child sitting on a chair or block, crossing their arms across the chest. Giving tactile cues on the knees, instruct the child to stand without holding onto assistance.

Do 20 repetitions