SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS AND ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

• Musculoskeletal examination

• Physical fitness

• Posture

• Child development assessments

• Spinal scoliosis

It is often difficult for parents to attend to all aspects of their child’s development. In order to facilitate child development assessments as efficiently as possible, we have developed a school screening protocol where we attend the child’s school and assess multiple individuals as a group. The screenings are targeted at musculoskeletal examination, posture, orthopaedic problems, physical fitness, functional movement deficits and spinal scoliosis. The sessions are fun and easily administered and are facilitated in a non-competitive environment.

In particular, we have found that scoliosis is often undetected and could be a factor responsible for back, neck and shoulder pain. We are members of the SOSORT (Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) organisation, which actively supports school screening of all learners for the early detection of scoliosis and other spinal deformities. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of more than 10 degrees in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. It is a common condition of the spine affecting both children and adults. Idiopathic (unknown cause) scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis, typically affecting adolescents from ages 10 through to 17. Idiopathic scoliosis may progress during the "growth spurt" years, therefore treatment should be sought as early as possible. There are several warning signs that help diagnose scoliosis and the early detection of scoliosis is of utmost importance to prevent the progression of the deformity to the point of surgery.

Following from our school screenings, objective information regarding your child’s physical development and movement can lead to creating future exercise goals. Additionally, schools have the option to train their teachers who are involved in physical activity or school sport. We offer seminars relating to the Long Term Athlete Development model at your particular school. This model has been scientifically proven and centres on your child’s biological age, as opposed to their chronological age. It addresses complete physical, mental, cognitive and emotional development of athletes, not just physical & performance qualities. Other elements that are addressed are ethics, fair play, and character building throughout the various stages of development. These stages and their objectives are the following:

• Active start (Age 0-6)
  Movement should be fun, safe and a challenging part of their daily routine

• FUNdamentals (Age 6-9)
  Time for children to lay foundations for advanced skills and develop neuromuscular control

• Learning to Train (Age 9-12)
  Children learn fundamental movement skills such as locomotor and ball skills as well as developing strength and flexibility

• Training to Train (Age 12-14)
  Skills are refined and emphasised. There is a 75% training to a 25% competition split of time involved with each sport.

• Training to compete (Age 14-18)
  The focus is on specific skills related to the person’s position in a certain sport, as well as fitness development

• Training to Win (Age 14-18)
  The focus is on achieving success in the chosen sport

• Active for life (Aged 18 and over)
  Either entering a career in competitive sport or developing a lifelong habit of active living

Following this model, teachers will learn skills to enable them to target specific concerns in each age group. Practical advice will also be provided, and teachers will even be given a chance to practice these skills themselves. To arrange a school screening, please contact us via our details provided on the website.