Services

Targeted Training™

What are movement control problems?

Can you imagine not being able to lift your head so that everyone can see you smile? This is the case for many of the disabled children who come to The Movement Centre. Gaining head control can mean that even a child who is unable to talk can make choices by shaking or nodding the head. This basic skill can make a real difference to a child and family. Other children find sitting balance very difficult and need to use their arms for support. These children cannot use both hands in play or to explore their world as other children do. Good sitting balance can mean sitting at the school table with friends rather than using a special seat. Some children have no problems with head control or sitting but find standing and walking difficult. They may fall often and become very tired when walking only a short distance. Following therapy at The Movement Centre, children have become able to stand and walk – and standing still can be very helpful to open a packet of sweets!

Why do problems arise?

Most of the children who come to The Movement Centre have cerebral palsy. This condition affects one in every 400 children born in the U.K. each year. One of the main effects of cerebral palsy is problems with control of movement. This leads to difficulties in carrying out everyday actions such as sitting, standing and walking. Other children can have movement control problems as a result of genetic conditions or after head injury.

What is Targeted Training?

Targeted Training is the therapy used at The Movement Centre and was designed to help simplify the learning of movement control. It was developed in the UK by a team of specialist therapists and bioengineers. The therapy usually uses specialised equipment under the supervision of parents or carers but does not require long therapy sessions. Targeted Training has been carefully researched over several years and is unique in having a sound biomechanical background.

Targeted Training mimics the way in which movement control is normally developed. However, instead of working through lying and rolling to sitting and standing, the child is supported in the upright position from the outset. If a non-disabled newborn infant is held upright against his / her mother, she automatically supports the infant’s head. As he / she grows and develops, the mother instinctively moves her support downwards as the child develops head control. By the time the non-disabled child is eight or nine months old, he / she will need support only around the bottom because full trunk control has developed.

How does Targeted Training Work?

Assessment is made with the child in an upright position. The point at which movement control becomes difficult is identified or ‘targeted’. Specially designed equipment is used to offer the correct amount of support to the child from that ‘targeted’ point downwards, – thus the term ‘Targeted Training’. This allows the child first to develop head control, if not yet possible, and then to progress control learning downwards. A realistic movement goal is set at the first assessment, such as head control, sitting balance or a standing / walking goal. The equipment enables the child to concentrate on learning to control only one or two joints at a time rather than being overwhelmed by too many control demands. Importantly, the equipment is regularly adjusted so that the child is offered only the support that he or she actually needs and can freely move the parts of the body over which he or she has good control.

It is important to note that collaboration with the child’s own therapist is crucial to the success of Targeted Training, so that any recommendations made by The Movement Centre form part of the overall therapy plan.

Will my child find it difficult? What are the results?

Children find this form of therapy fun, since they are not required to do anything beyond their capabilities. The equipment can be used at home or in school, with supervision, but carers do not need extensive training. Sessions are short, with results obtained with sessions of around half an hour each day. Children as old as seven and eight years have learned to sit independently for the first time with a few months of Targeted Training while others have achieved sitting balance in just nine weeks. Other children have gained control of the leg muscles to help their standing and walking abilities.

How often is progress monitored?

A course of Targeted Training typically lasts nine months with follow up reviews, involving the child’s parents / carers and therapist, if possible, every eight weeks. This ensures that regular progress reviews of the movement control achieved take place. Reviews ensure that everyone involved with the child’s care is aware of progress towards the movement goal and the next goal to be set.

Arranging an assessment

How are children referred for Targeted Training?

Many, but not all, children with cerebral palsy could potentially benefit from Targeted Training. Children are referred by their Consultant Paediatrician, Orthopaedic Surgeon or GP. Funding is then sought and may come from the Health Services, private or charitable sources. We start by performing an assessment, when the therapists determine whether the patient is potentially able to benefit from Targeted Training. If the assessment is positive, arrangements can be made for a course of treatment.

As we are not an NHS body, we cannot begin treatment until we are able to confirm whether NHS, private or charitable funding is available.