Developing Mid-Range Control and Function in Children With Fluctuating Muscle Tone

Author Regi Boehme, a certified occupational therapy instructor in neuro-developmental treatment (NDT), offers practical treatment ideas in this revised edition of her workshop manual. The material in this 58-page book is designed to support the clinician in assessment and treatment of children who exhibit fluctuating muscle tone. Generally, such children are able to initiate muscle activity but are unable to sustain it with graded mid-range control, and may not be able to terminate it in a way that is appropriate to the function. This text offers suggestions to improve postural control, movement, and function when fluctuation in muscle tone is a presenting problem. Postural control and functional movement are focal points of NDT, a therapeutic approach created for the management of cerebral palsy in 1942 by physiotherapist Berta Bobath and her physician-husband Karl Bobath. Because the material in this text is based on the work of the Bobaths, Ms. Boehme, in her insightful introduction, advises therapist-readers to review the principles of NDT and have a thorough understanding of normal postural control and movement. This hands-on resource also includes

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principles of NDT, as it relates to fluctuating muscle tone

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classification of tonal differences in athetosis

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basic problems related to athetosis and ataxia

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treatment principles

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grading of environmental stimulation Also included in the book is a glossary of terms. Clear line drawings and descriptions help the clinician understand conditions and treatment techniques.