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"Rehabilitation science has been positively influenced by growing knowledge of the amazing capacity of the human brain to ‘regrow new cells, repair injuries, rewire new connections, and reallocate brain resources to restore lost function’ through neuroplasticity (Pape, 2016). ‘Optimizing neuroplasticity is the aim of all rehabilitation’ (Morgan, 2013) and should be the focus of interventions begun very early in infancy (Novak, 2014). Physical therapy interventions in the first two years for children at risk for cerebral palsy or developmental delays due to prematurity or genetic anomalies have focused on attaining developmental milestones (Morgan, 2016). However, limited high quality research exists about the effectiveness of early interventions on sustained motor outcomes of at-risk infants (Morgan 2016; Spittle 2015).
This session will examine opportunities to optimize neuroplasticity in a collaborative approach through child-initiated, caregiver supported activities across natural environments for children at risk for developmental delays. Goal-directed training to promote postural control, functional strength, and reciprocity of lower limb movement will be evaluated to examine potential indicators of readiness to attain independent walking. Case examples will illustrate innovative interventions to promote child-initiated opportunities for task-specific practice of functional motor activities including walking in natural environments."
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