IDEA Definition

1. Walks with waddling gait and lordosis.

2. Walks with waddling gait, lordosis, and needs assistance stepping up.

3. Walks with waddling gait, lordosis, and cannot step up but can rise from a chair.

4. Walks with severe waddling gait, lordosis, and cannot rise from seated position but keeps functional movement.

5. Uses a wheelchair but independently  preforms daily tasks.

6. Uses a wheelchair but needs assistance .   

7. Uses a wheelchair for a short period of time.

8. Bed ridden and needs assistance.

• When designing activities for student ensure they are activities that assist with maintaining functional movement. For example, picking things up off the ground, holding their body weight, getting out up from the ground/chair independently. (Check Fitness Training Link Below)

• Muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disability that affects all the muscles so as an combative counter to that, increasing the students strength as much as one can is important to prolong their decay of motor function. (Check Exercise Advice Link Below)

• All programming should be designed and geared toward the students abilities. (Check Caring Muscles Link Below)

• As the student progresses through the stages, adjust the intensity levels accordingly. 

As the student weakens, he naturally will find it difficult to exert themself, which can lead to tightening of muscles and shortening of tendons, resulting ultimately in further loss of mobility.

• Mainly, most stretching will be done with a PT, but incorporating a warm-up routine for the individual student with emphasis on stretching may assist with prevention of mobility loss. Focus stretching on the areas the student will need it, but also where they have the ability to. (Check Yoga Link Below)

• If the student is younger or doesn't know how to properly advocate for themselves, setting timers for activities can better help prevent exerting themselves. (Check Time Tracker Link Below)