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