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

Trunk strengthening exercises (active assisted)

​Assisted Sit-ups

Aim: To improve your abdominal strength.

Instructions: Position the child lying on his/her back, keep child’s knees bent. Back and feet flat on the mat. Support the child at the ankle and assist child slowly lift torso and sit up by giving assistance to the arms. Return to the starting position by rolling down on child’s spine slowly. Repeat the exercise until set is complete.

Do 10 repetitions

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​Assisted Four-point Kneeling

Aim: To strengthen shoulder girdle, abdominal and pelvic muscles

Instructions: Position the child kneeling on all fours on the floor and instruct the child to hold. You can support the child around the thorax and hips while the child is maintaining the position. You can vary the amount of support given to make the exercise more challenging.

Hold for 15 seconds for 10 repetitions

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Ref: K21

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Seizure and Epilepsy Action Plan

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Child Neurological Conditions: Care Tips Resource

Epilepsy Exercises: Upper Limb Stretching

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