Health and safety considerations EBO@Home …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Prepared by: Nina Walkingshaw MCSP, Chartered Physiotherapist, Clinical Specialist in Applied Ergonomics.
Managing safety in your home while using EBO is your responsibility. Please read the information below to increase your awareness of the possible risks.
Location - The exercises should be carried out in a space with either a hard, smooth, uncarpeted floor or carpeted area, according to the activity. Ensure that there is sufficient space and that furniture is placed safely.
Clothing - Elbows and knees must be covered at all times when carrying out the exercises. Soft tracksuit trousers and a long-sleeved top or pyjamas would be ideal. The majority of exercises are on the floor, so it’s important to be aware of any reason that a child would not be safe, moving independently in a space on the floor.
Adult demonstrations - Ensure that your demonstration is accurate. Placing your child correctly may be more valuable.
Positions
Consider any reasons that a child may not be able to lie safely and comfortably on their front or back - this may include a colostomy, spina bifida, or recent surgery. Observe for any unusual discomfort relating to their body position. Remember - fatigue and obvious effort are to be expected if the child has the reflex that the exercise is addressing.
Consider any reason that a child may not be comfortable or safe to give or receive hands-on activities involving manual pressure on their back.
Special note: Consultation with your GP is recommended if your child has Down’s syndrome. The article below explains.
© Down’s Syndrome Association 2020
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/16.07.20204_Neck-instability-v9.pdf
Awareness of space. Your child may not be very spatially aware. Allow space for movement and consider any dangers from nearby furniture.
Kneeling and crawling - ensure you use a mat, or choose a carpeted area. This is recommended for all exercises lasting for more than a minute when kneeling and crawling.
Rolling exercises should be carried out on a carpeted area.
Dragging exercises. Avoid sudden movements. Smooth and gradual movement is a general recommendation.
Storage of the grip stick – the grip stick should be stored in a secure location, to avoid misuse.
Commando crawling - use only foam balls or soft toys for throwing. Beware of hard buttons and eyes in toys. Sit to the side of the commando crawler to avoid their face.
Bar hanging - Grip hanging with body weight is hugely beneficial for integrating hand reflexes and raising awareness of body position. This relates to fine motor abilities, such as handwriting.
If you have a park nearby with monkey bars available, you may choose to use this. Otherwise, a pull-up bar is easily purchased. See The Hanging Challenge information for the details.
Hands-on activities - ensure comfortable seating, or lying, mutual respect and adequate space.
Wheelbarrow - Hold the child above their knees. Ensure that they have a straight back and straight arms. Remember - correct technique is more important than speed. Some children with an STNR may need reminding to keep their head up, so their arms remain straight.
Press ups - should be done standing against a wall, keeping the body as straight as possible, and heels on the floor. One aim of the exercise is to gently lengthen the Achilles tendon, not load the arms excessively.
REMEMBER: At all times, accuracy is more important than speed, there is never any rush to complete an exercise. Inaccuracy will delay progress.
I have read the above considerations and understand the need for their application during the EBO exercises.