meerkat

R82 | Nothing compares to a smile Case study | Meerkat and Oliver

Oliver achieves greater postural control and motor skill development with new

R82 Meerkat

Oliver is a bright and positive boy aged 7

who attends Humberston Park Special School,

Lincolnshire and has Quadriplegic Cerebral

Palsy, GMFCS level 4. He has demonstrated

significantly improved motor skills since using

the R82 Meerkat dynamic stander as part of

a new therapy programme.

Oliver has been attending Humberston Park

Special School since he was 4 and began

using the Meerkat approximately one year

ago. Oliver needs support to stand or walk

and has benefited from use of a R82 Gazelle

standing frame and a Mustang gait trainer.

Oliver is now using the new R82 Meerkat to

complement his therapy programme as it

provides an intermediate solution that bridges

the gap between standing and stepping.

The R82 Meerkat is a fully adjustable

ergonomic standing frame that offers

posterior and anterior support and has

the option to add a rocker under the base.

This rocker provides an adjustable dynamic

element for children so they can move

forwards and backwards – challenging their

balance and improving core stability. Based

on a well-established theory, this rocking

action enhances postural control and assists

with motor skill development particularly

in walking and standing. The rocker can be

positioned to pivot at different points under

the child so a greater range of development

can be achieved.

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Frances George, Specialist Physiotherapist at

Humberston Park Special School comments:

“Our Teaching Assistants (TAs) have been

using the Meerkat with Oliver for just over

a year now and in that time, we have seen

an improvement in his walking. Despite

having high tone in his legs, Oliver takes

more continuous reciprocal steps with

less scissoring. His crawling abilities have

improved with continuous movement and

less “bunny hopping”. Recently Oliver has

developed the skill of pull to stand, is starting

to cruise and is reaching and bending with

more ease and control. These are really

exciting times for Oliver as we see a marked

improvement in his movement control and

independent abilities using the Meerkat.”

Frances continues: ‘Adding the rocker to the

Meerkat is key as Oliver has been using a

static stander and walking frame for years.

There is a significant difference between

The Meerkat includes linear measurement

scales and indicators within its design so the

position of supports can be recorded. This

means the Meerkat can be set up optimally

for every child and for each therapy session.

Over time as the child progresses support

positions can be adjusted or removed which

can be recorded using the on-board markings.

Frances add: “The Meerkat measurement

system means I am only required to oversee

dynamic standing programmes occasionally

and during initial set up. The TAs are able

to set the Meerkat according to our records

and I simply have to check and assess as

the programme evolves. They can deliver

dynamic therapy regularly without me so I

can focus my time elsewhere. As the TAs do

not need to use their hands to support Oliver

during dynamic exercises, single handed

care is possible which reduces pressure on

the Humberston Park team.”

As Oliver has demonstrated significant

improvements since using the Meerkat, it

is the intention of the Humberston team to

continue its use with a view to developing

Oliver’s motor skills and postural control

even further.

static standing and walking – a child has to

make the transition from supported hips and

trunk to controlling their body independently.

The Meerkat bridges the gap. We can provide

the right level of support for his instability

and then insert the rocker to challenge his

balance around an appropriate point. Oliver

has been using the Meerkat three to four

times a week for 10 minutes in a posterior

position, resulting in tangible improvements

to his motor skills.”

For effective development through

movement, a child’s body needs to be in an

optimum position. This is achieved easily

and effectively with the Meerkat through

its adjustable chest, hip, knee and foot

supports – helping to achieve an optimal

upright body position.

A child can be comfortably positioned in

the Meerkat whilst the R82 ratchet system

on each support allows the TAs to adjust

body alignment. This is crucial before

effectively challenging postural control and

balance. In essence the Meerkat replaces

the hands of the therapist as Frances

explains: “The ratchet system is really easy

to use following a small amount of training

which is standard with all new equipment

from R82. You can correct the pelvic and

trunk alignment of each child more precisely

even if they are moving around or have

high tone. This makes it easier to align the

stander’s support in relation to their

ASI – correcting any rotation or obilquity

which might be present. You can de-rotate

their position without having to unfasten

straps or supports and then begin the

therapy programme.”

meerkat

Linear scales for baseline setting and accurate progress recording

Ratchet system for precision rotating to achieve optimum body alignment

R82 Meerkat in the anterior position