PhysiFun 6 hour workshops: PhysiballPhysiFit:

PhysiBall 6 hour workshop:

Physiball is a gross motor and core stability exercise programme aimed at 4 to 7 year olds.

Children with developmental delays, hypermobility or low connective tissue tone, general and core muscle weakness, general poor exercise tolerance and poor fundamental motor skills can all benefit from participating in this evidence based exercise programme.

* Both workshops can be run in the mornings or afternoons*

PhysiBall course content – 3 hour theory

  • 13.30 – 14.15  “The role of the health professional (Physio and/or OT) in schools”
  • 14.15 – 15.00  Postural control in children:
    • Aspects of Postural Control
    • Automatic & Consolidated Patterns
    • Secondary Effects on Learning, Behaviour and Musculoskeletal Function
    • The Way Forward
  • 15.00 – 15.10  Break
  • 15.10 – 16.00  Developmental difficulties
  • 16.00 – 16.30  Practical ideas and tips for PE & sport coaches and some healthy eating tips

3 Hour Physiball Practical Workshop

Areas covered are:

  • Adequate and appropriate warm up- based on research to indicate what type of stretches are beneficial, appropriate intensity and repetitions of aerobic activity to get the health & cognitive benefits of exercise (Hillman et al, 2011; DiFiore et al, 2014).
  • General & core muscle strengthening exercises – to build up exercise tolerance, improve gross motor skills and improve fine motor skills associated with poor proximal control and strength.
  • Coordination and balance activities – to encourage bilateral integration and practise skills needed for playground and physical activities (Johnston et al, 2003)
  • Sensory activities and ball skills – using the ball and other equipment
  • Yoga and mindfulness training – during stretches and cool down activities. This is based on research to suggest that these type of activities improve early executive functioning, especially in those children with worse executive functions, such as self control, flexibility, considered responses, focus and self regulation (Diamond & Lee, 2011)

PhysiFit 6 hour workshop

Physifit is an exercise programme for children aged 8 to 13 aimed at injury prevention, cross training, alternative form of physical activity, pre-season conditioning for sporting population and can be used as part of the sports curriculum. The exercises are aimed at promoting mobility and flexibility, general and core muscle strength & conditioning, balance, agility & proprioception, better postural awareness and general wellbeing.

PhysiFit Course Content – 3 Hour theory:

  • 08h00 – 08h45: The role of the physiotherapist in injury prevention & exercise promotion in school children – “Exercise in the therapeutic and educational setting.”
  • 08h45-09h45: Designing an injury prevention evidence based exercise programme: Evidence based warm up activities; general & core muscle strengthening ; Agility & coordination exercises; Yoga & mindfulness exercises for improving executive functioning.
  • 09h45-10h00: Break
  • 10h00-11h00: Sports injuries & illnesses in school children- educating the coach, parent and PE teacher

3 Hour PhysiFitPractical Workshop

Area covered are:

  • Adequate and appropriate warm up activities in order to prevent acute injuries based on recent systematic reviews of acute injury prevention in school aged children. (DiFiore et al, 2014; Lauersen et al, 2013).
  • Muscle strengthening exercises using body weight and wrist/ankle weights based on recent research regarding overuse injury prevention as well as management of joint hypermobility syndrome. (DiFiore et al,2014; Faigenbaum, et al 2013; Great Ormond Street JHS guidelines, 2008)
  • General and core strengthening exercises using the gym ball and mat work.
  • Agility, coordination, proprioception & balance exercises for injury prevention (Lauersen et al, 2013; DiFiore et al, 2014).
  • Yoga and mindfulness training – during stretches and cool down activities. This is based on research to suggest that these type of activities improve early executive functioning, especially in those children with worse executive functions, such as self control, flexibility, considered responses, focus and self regulation (Diamond & Lee, 2011)