has use of his fingers, he was able to bring his arms forward along the platform and grab the platform handles. By holding on to the platform handles, he was able to assume a standing position with a minimal amount of assistance. With additional help and on his first attempt, he was able to propel the walker a distance of two meters. This walker continues to be beneficial to this child and, I believe, would be an aid to other children.
Foam Rubber Sidelying Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy SUSAN WILBUR, B.S.
We have found that sidelying is one of the most therapeutic positions for children who are severely handicapped with cerebral palsy. Un fortunately, sidelying is also a difficult position for a child to maintain. A cut-out pillow can be used to maintain children in the sidelying position (Figs. 1, 2). Use of the pillow helps to prevent scoliosis and hip dislocation, and it often enables the child to use his hands successfully in the midline. The pillow is inexpensive, easy to make, and, because of its flexibility, it can be used with children of almost any size. From a 13-centimeter-thick polyfoam rub ber, a 35- by 42-centimeter piece is cut by an electric knife. Next, a cylindrical piece 15 centimeters in diameter is cut from the center extending the width of the cushion. About 2.5 centimeters of foam is left on the bottom which connects the two sides of the pillow. The cushion is not covered to take advantage of the nonslick surface of the polyfoam. The cushion is easily washed in warm soapy water when soiled. In addition to its frequent use at school, the cushion has proven to be valuable in the homes
Ms Wilbur is a physical therapist at the Lake Washington Special Education Center, Lake Washing ton School District 414, 11133 NE 65th St., Kirkland, WA 98033.
Volume 55 / Number 12, December 1975
Fig. 1. Cut-out foam pillow used to maintain children in sidelying position.
Fig. 2. Three-year-old child positioned in the foam support. of the children as well. Parents are better able to place their children in a sidelying position for sleep. The children, therefore, can avoid the commonly seen curled-up positions in which so many children sleep—positions which might contribute to scoliosis or hip dislocation. 1345
Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article-abstract/55/12/1345/4567600 by Washington University School of Medicine Library user on 13 February 2019
platforms were constructed and bolted to the top of the walker in two places so that the platforms would not tip. A narrow layer of foam rubber was glued to the top of the wooden platforms and upholstery material was laid over the padding and stapled into place. The walker was also weighted with metal filaments placed inside the walker legs so that the child would not fall backward. On the child's initial attempt to walk, he was seated by the walker in a small chair. Since he
Foam Rubber Sidelying Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy SUSAN WILBUR, B.S.
We have found that sidelying is one of the most therapeutic positions for children who are severely handicapped with cerebral palsy. Un fortunately, sidelying is also a difficult position for a child to maintain. A cut-out pillow can be used to maintain children in the sidelying position (Figs. 1, 2). Use of the pillow helps to prevent scoliosis and hip dislocation, and it often enables the child to use his hands successfully in the midline. The pillow is inexpensive, easy to make, and, because of its flexibility, it can be used with children of almost any size. From a 13-centimeter-thick polyfoam rub ber, a 35- by 42-centimeter piece is cut by an electric knife. Next, a cylindrical piece 15 centimeters in diameter is cut from the center extending the width of the cushion. About 2.5 centimeters of foam is left on the bottom which connects the two sides of the pillow. The cushion is not covered to take advantage of the nonslick surface of the polyfoam. The cushion is easily washed in warm soapy water when soiled. In addition to its frequent use at school, the cushion has proven to be valuable in the homes
Ms Wilbur is a physical therapist at the Lake Washington Special Education Center, Lake Washing ton School District 414, 11133 NE 65th St., Kirkland, WA 98033.
Volume 55 / Number 12, December 1975
Fig. 1. Cut-out foam pillow used to maintain children in sidelying position.
Fig. 2. Three-year-old child positioned in the foam support. of the children as well. Parents are better able to place their children in a sidelying position for sleep. The children, therefore, can avoid the commonly seen curled-up positions in which so many children sleep—positions which might contribute to scoliosis or hip dislocation. 1345
Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article-abstract/55/12/1345/4567600 by Washington University School of Medicine Library user on 13 February 2019
platforms were constructed and bolted to the top of the walker in two places so that the platforms would not tip. A narrow layer of foam rubber was glued to the top of the wooden platforms and upholstery material was laid over the padding and stapled into place. The walker was also weighted with metal filaments placed inside the walker legs so that the child would not fall backward. On the child's initial attempt to walk, he was seated by the walker in a small chair. Since he
