The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome The Possibilities of Movement Education for Girls with Rett Syndrome
Abstract
The aim of the research project was to obtain the maximum information on the possibilities of movement education and physiotherapy for girls with Rett Syndrome. To this end a questionnaire survey was devised and sent by electronic post to 14 parents (mothers) of girls with Rett Syndrome.
It emerged from the survey that ordinary movement therapy is not possible in view of the health and psychological state of the girls ordinary movement therapy was not possible; more important in this context is physiotherapy (Vojta reflex locomotion, Bobath concept) and other complementary therapies (canistherapy, hippotherapy, music therapy, ergotherapy, swimming and so on), which the girls attended mainly in the context of their school education. The girls also have exercise regularly several times a day, not only in the school or educational facility but also at home.
Fine movement, which is the biggest motor problem for girls with Rett Syndrome because of the stereotyped hand movements, is practiced by grasping, tying and buttoning various objects and using the hands in daily routine activities. Gross motor functions are less affected by the condition (some girls can walk by themselves, or move with assistance, while others are confined to wheelchairs) and parents exercise these functions with the girls for example by walking with them, walking outside or up and down stairs, and by bicycle riding.
Movement education is very important for girls with Rett Syndrome as it suppresses regression, i.e. the deterioration of state of health. The girls should therefore move as much as their state and circumstances permit, even if only passively led by another person, all their lives.