What activity should an occupational therapist include in an intervention session to facilitate ambulation goals for a child with cerebral palsy?

To facilitate ambulation goals for a child with cerebral palsy, incorporating activities that directly encourage weight-bearing, movement, and the overall mechanics of walking is crucial. Focusing on donning and doffing shoes and socks in a bench sitting position is beneficial because it allows the child to practice essential skills related to their mobility. This task promotes independence and familiarizes the child with the importance of footwear, which is essential for safe ambulation.

Moreover, practicing these skills in a controlled and supportive environment can help build the child’s confidence and self-efficacy regarding their mobility. This type of activity also encourages the child to engage their lower extremities and trunk muscles, which can indirectly enhance their readiness for ambulation.

Although walking on a treadmill can be beneficial for improving gait, it may not be as accessible or practical for all children with cerebral palsy, especially if they have significant motor challenges. Similarly, using a slide board for transfers is more relevant for improving mobility and independence during functional transfers rather than gait itself. Balancing exercises on a stability ball are helpful for core strengthening, which is important for stability while walking, but it may not provide the direct ambulation practice needed to advance the child’s mobility goals.

The emphasis on functional activities that