Camp Leg Power propels kids with cerebral palsy forward

Each day, the kids at Camp Leg Power start their day with a spirited group chant, followed by an energetic UCLA fight song. The chant, which is done with corresponding hand and leg motions, is actually a therapeutic activity in disguise, the first in a three-hour session that converts therapy for children with movement disorders into summertime fun. Camp Leg Power is a program of the Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA that’s staffed by physical therapists and student volunteers.   On Wednesday, Oliver Mann, who has received therapeutic services through the interdisciplinary center since he was a toddler, leads the opening exercise for campers. Now 16, Oliver is a junior counselor at the camp and an unofficial cheerleader for the younger campers, including Niko Corzo, an active 9-year-old from Cheviot Hills. Simi Singer/UCLA Niko plays a video game using his ankle to move the cursor. “Most kids with cerebral palsy have individual physical therapy sessions during the year, and they can get tedious,” said physical therapist Eileen Fowler. “Having a summer program that lets campers participate in creative therapeutic activities with their peers builds skills and confidence. And we make sure it really is fun.”  Niko has no doubts about that. “All of the camp activities are fun, but the day we played with shaving cream with our feet was epic.” But Camp Leg Power is even more than just plain fun and physical therapy. The “camp” is actually a pilot study designed...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news