Non-Standardized Pediatric Motor Evaluation

Non-standardized methods align with Dynamic systems theory because they:

●Occur in natural contexts

●Capture movement quality and adaptibility

●Allow task and environmental manipulation

●Emphasize function over isolated skills

●

Perturbation

A small, intentional change introduced by the clinician to observe how the system/child adapts

ex:•Slightly raising the surface height

•Adding weight to a toy

•Changing seated support

•Offering minimal pelvic or trunk support

Clinical Observation of Movement

Posture & alignment

Movement Quality

Transitions

Endurance

Regulation/attention

Non-standardized assessment is _________ to OT practice, especially pediatrics

ongoing, context-based, and essential

why w sitting is bad

when doing static activites the wide base of support does not allow for kids to devolp trunk control and decrease ROM

using bilateral support

stability/ balance from hand suport

able to step down with alternating feet

stabilizing paper

far away from chair

bad posture

odd grasp pattern

Preschooler with Coordination Challenges

•Set Up: obstacle course

•What do you want to observe?

•What are your hypotheses?

obstacle course

• what do they try to avoid?

• i want to observe thier strength

Infant with Atypical Tone

•Set Up: Floor time with mirrors and toys

•What do you want to observe?

•What are your hypotheses?

• head and neck control

• How they move their head around

• is there variability in movment

• is thier movment predictable

School-age child with functional concerns

•Set Up: Desk tasks, locker routine, cafeteria tray carry

•What do you want to observe?

•What are your hypotheses?

• posture

• locker routine

• coordination, balance, strength