Ask Sarit: How do you combine therapeutic accessories with Timocco?

When you’re using Timocco, typically you’re focused on the child’s hand movements; but you could also use props to promote lower limb training. For example, the child could stand on a vestibular board or sit on a bolster during the activity; they could stand on a balance beam or a balance cushion; another option is sitting on a therapy ball.

You can define a limited space for the child to stand in by using a hoop or by asking them to stand on a stool. Consequently, you improve the child’s awareness of the space that they are working in, the boundaries of their body, and their leg movements. The child can play standing or sitting in different positions: Kneeling on all fours, standing heel-to-toe, or standing with one foot on a ball are all great ideas for improving balance, core strength and posture.

Similarly, if we want to strengthen the child’s upper back, shoulders, and arms, you can add weights to the child’s hands to increase resistance. Another option is to stretch a rubber band between the child’s hands and then separate hands to increase resistance.

When playing Timocco with the legs, you can give the child a stick to hold at shoulder level, helping them maintain balance and strengthen hand muscles simultaneously. Using leg weights for extra resistance is an additional possibility.

The therapist should plan and adapt the activity and aids used according to the child’s abilities and the objectives of the intervention.

When an activity takes place at home (the therapist should instruct parents in advance), the parent can use simple everyday accessories that are available in every house. For example, instead of standing with both feet on the ground, you can use a large pillow and let the child stand on it during the activity; this way the child is required to stabilize their body on an unstable surface, strengthening their stabilizing muscles and improving balance abilities. The child can place one foot on a ball (soccer ball / basketball) to challenge balance and posture. If you intend to strengthen muscles but have no hand/foot weights, similar weights can be made by filling socks with beans / marbles / stones (depending on the weight you need).

You can also define the child’s space of activity by placing a rope around his feet (like a hoop), let them stand on a stool or guide them to play when they are standing in different positions.

Good Luck!!