Our specialised intensive therapy programs

STRIDE is an intensive walk/step training program also known as Locomotor Training. This program is specifically designed for children and young adults with neurological conditions and injuries. 

Locomotor training can include partial body weight support, overground walk training and the possible use of functional electrical stimulation. Specialised equipment and techniques are used to provide this therapy. STRIDE is delivered by credentialed therapists highly experienced in specialised methods and techniques of locomotor training.

Research shows that locomotor training can improve daily living skills such as:

❖  Stepping ability and capacity (with or without a walking frame).     

❖  Weight bearing capacity       

❖  Gross motor skills    

❖  Walking endurance
❖  Walking speed
❖  Community walking ability e.g. independence, uneven surfaces and crowded areas 

❖  Health and well-being.

Locomotor training works because it is based on how the body learns and re- learns new motor skills. We now know that if there is focused attention on specific skills that is practiced consistently and repetitively in a fun and interactive environment with incremental challenges – we can re-teach the brain to make new pathways.

ACTIVATE is an intensive therapy program that utilises a range of therapeutic supports to learn a skill, promoting independence and participation. This may include targeted and task specific strength training and functional electrical stimulation. Most importantly, each program is individualised and goal focused. 

The ACTIVATE program may focus on skills that range from floor mobility to sitting and standing balance and standing transfers to using hands to play, write or use the computer.   

Research supports the effectiveness of focused and specific activity based interventions to learn or relearn a skill. 

This is the basis of motor learning and neuroplasticity where it is understood that consolidated mass practice of specific tasks has the potential to change neurological pathways.

ACTIVATE works because it is based on how the body learns and re-learns new motor skills. We now know that if there is focused attention on specific skills that is practiced consistently and repetitively in a fun and interactive environment with incremental challenges – we can re-teach the brain to make new pathways. The outcome of this is enhanced participation and this is always the ultimate goal. 

KINDY MOVES is specifically designed for children aged 2 to 5 years. This program focuses on movement skills that promote independence, socialisation and play. Sessions are conducted in small groups. 

Embedded within this, are individualised sessions that utilise therapeutic approaches such as functional electrical stimulation, locomotor training and early mobility movement skills.  

Early intervention supports the child/family to achieve better long term outcomes, promoting growth, development and participation during the critical early years. Importantly, it also focuses on educating and empowering parents to assist their children with their developmental, health and support needs.