By: Froza MercadoAudience: Rehab Department Coordinator

Pediatric Occupational Therapy:

Equipment & Software

Goals: Improve muscle control

Improve core strength & stability

Improve motor skills Improve coordination Improve hand function

TheraTogs“Therapy you wear”A garment system that provides

neuromotor, muscular, and sensory training

Helps to control muscles

Promotes joint alignment

Wearable under casual clothes

Helps with patients with various neuromotor dysfunctions, deformities, and movement disorders (i.e. cerebral palsy)

TheraTogs Wunzi System

Cost: $182.00

Found at:http://www.especialneeds.com/theratogs.html

Also available in children & adult sizes

Hand Splints Improves hand function

Custom-made for the patient by the therapist

2 Types of Splints:1. Static Splint

- Protect weakened muscles from overstretching

- Provide support for the hand- Prevent or correct a deformity

2. Dynamic Splint- Allows more mobility- Correct or prevent a deformity,

especially patients with excess muscle tone

-Provide stability and support- Assist in regaining functional hand

use

Benik Hand Splints

Cost: Starting at $50.00 (depends on price of customized splint)

Order forms at: http://www.benik.com/peds/wrist/

Custom made. Therapist must customize and order product.

Balance BoardPromotes core stability strengthening

Promotes ability to weight bear on hands and feet

Promotes ability to cross mid-line while sitting

Promotes coordination

Promotes the use of “Righting Reflex”

Size: LargeCost: $149.00Found at:http://funandfunction.com/tai-chi-balance-board-large.html

Tai-Chi Balance Board

Platform SwingProvides sensory integration

therapy

Promotes motor planning and gross motor skills development

Promotes core stability strengthening

Promotes use of “Righting Reflex”Weight bearing on hands

Useful for babies as well as older children

Can be used as a sensory ball pit

Air-Lite Raft Platfrom Swing

Cost: $299.99

Found at:http://funandfunction.com/air-litetm-platform-swing.html

Building BlocksPromotes hand-over-hand

movement

Promotes hand-eye-coordination

Promotes upper body work

Promotes ability to cross mid-line

Enhances motor skills

Promotes Imagination

Brick Me Set : Building Blocks

Cost: $249.99

Found at:http://funandfunction.com/brick-me.html

HandTutor HandTutor software provides rehabilitation at a patient

customized level with real time accurate feedback on the patient’s performance.

Provides exercises in the form of challenging games

Exercises are monitored and improvements are reported

The system provides detailed exercise instructions and precise feedback

Ensures better performance of functional tasks

Ideal for patients suffering from: Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Head Injuries, etc.

MediTouch- HandTutor

Cost: $1,800

Found at: http://www.meditouch.co.il/en/HandTutor

BalanceTutor, ArmTutor,LegTutor, & Tele-Rehabilitation are also available throught MediTouch

Total Costs:TheraTongs (15 patients): $2,730

+ Benik Hand Splints (30 patients): $1,500

+ Tai-Chi Balance Board (1): $149

+ Air-Lite Raft Platform Swing (1): $299.99

+ Brick Me Set: Building Blocks (1): $249.99

+ HandTutor (1): $1,800___________________________________

~ $6,728.98

In Conclusion...The equipment and software presented are all helpful tools to improve muscle control, core

strength and stability, motor skills, coordination, and hand function.

The equipment can be implement in the rehab gym and at home. Parents can also provide a

stimulating learning environment for their children on an everyday basis.

These tools could greatly enhance the lives of many children and provide them with the ability

to play and perform everyday functions.

Better equipment and cutting edge technology, because our children deserve

the best.

Referenceshttp://www.benik.com/peds/wrist/

http://cindysoccupationaltherapy.wikifoundry.com/page/Splinting

http://www.especialneeds.com/theratogs.html

http://funandfunction.com/brick-me.html

http://funandfunction.com/air-litetm-platform-swing.html

http://funandfunction.com/tai-chi-balance-board-large.html

http://www.meditouch.co.il/en/HandTutor