The Winning Paediatric Prescription Formula for Engaging Children in Physical Exercise

As an experienced Exercise Physiologist and Pilates Instructor, I've had the opportunity to prescribe exercise to children with varying developmental abilities in different settings. Through my years of experience, I've developed a highly effective 'paediatric prescription formula' that not only keeps kids engaged but also promotes holistic development and school readiness.

This formula is versatile and can be applied to any exercise prescription, whether it's pilates, squats, balancing on one leg, or any other activity that requires us to get our bodies into a position or physical movement.

The Paediatric Prescription Formula consists of four key components:

Break down → Demonstrate → Describe → Give Feedback.

1. Break Down: This step involves breaking down the different body parts involved in the movement. For example, in a glute bridge or in ‘Bridges and Fireworks’ from the Lizzy Dawson exercise database, I break it down into a child's hands, feet, stomach, head, back, and shoulders. By breaking down the movement, we ensure that it is individualised for the child’s ability, we can explore several areas of development and maximise outcomes.
2. Demonstration: By visually guiding the child, they can better understand the movement and apply it correctly. The reason we love to use pilates as our prescription method is it takes care of technique when used correctly. 
3. Describing: In this step, I narrate the movement and provide cues for progression and regressions. For instance, in a glute bridge, I ensure the child positions their head correctly, that their feet are strongly anchored to the ground, and they avoid over-arching their back.
4. Feedback: Sensory interaction plays a crucial role in obtaining feedback. Light hands on guidance where appropriate can show the correct position or movement,  encouraging the child to tap on the floor with their feet will enhance spatial awareness and provide sensory feedback. Verbal feedback is also encouraged to foster engagement, motivation and body awareness during the exercise.

Abstract Concepts and Language: The formula offers an opportunity to introduce abstract concepts through speech and language. I often create narratives or stories during the exercise and ask the child or group to contribute to the storyline. This stimulates imagination, promotes language development, social interaction, and boosts confidence.

For example, I may use descriptors like 'come up into a bridge' and then 'come down and up and down,' developing essential spatial and receptive language skills for school readiness. I also ask engaging questions like 'what is going over the top of your bridge?' or 'what is going underneath your bridge?' The children take turns responding, fostering social skills and imaginative contributions to the story.

By incorporating physical exercise with language and social interaction in a fun and positive way, my paediatric prescription formula caters to various developmental needs. I encourage you to try it out and witness its effectiveness in engaging and promoting holistic growth in children.

PLEASE NOTE: That many children do not like to be touched, so verbal feedback will be crucial for these children.