There are many forms of physical Cerebral Palsy therapy that can help reduce the disabilities associated with this disorder.
Each person with Cerebral Palsy will often need a specialized kind of therapy.
The Maribelle exercise assist system, otherwise known as the MEAS is one option that people with Cerebral Palsy may be interested in and has had very beneficial results.
The MEAS is an exerciser that is suspended from the ceiling with a body support. This allows people that have little or no use of their legs to actually be put in an upright position (supported standing), or a sitting position where they can move or move with assistance. For example, swinging.
The benefits of this are many, including much enjoyment for the user just from being in an upright position, or from the swinging and other possible movements. Remarkably, the movements in the MEAS result in LESS spasticity! 3 to 5 minutes of gentle bouncing, followed by swinging, invariably will relax tight elbow joints and clenched hands will open up.
The Neurophysiological reasons for this change have been well documented in research studies about using rebounders.
Progressive treatment goals, which have been achieved in varying degrees by the regular use of the MEAS in an eight week or longer program include:
15. Reduction of Athetoid movements allowing the person to control their electric wheel chair independently after exercising in MEAS Therapists have reported that clients who were fearful when they were placed in a hammock are much less afraid of doing Sensory Integration and Vestibular Stimulation techniques using MEAS.
Meas is used for
Sensory integration
Vestibular stimulation
Gait training
Desensitizing soles of feet
Occupying a child while tube feeding to distract the child from yanking tubes
Encouraging weight bearing in hypertonic children
Allows wheelchair-bound adults to move in upright position.
Early recovery periods after injuries
Besides Cerebral Palsy, the Maribelle exercise assist system will also be of benefit for people with
