Leckey Blog

How Much Weight Does a Child Really Bear in a Standing Frame?   

Understanding how much weight a child truly bears in a standing frame is key to making informed clinical decisions. Whether the goal is bone health, joint alignment, or postural control, the angle of the standing frame makes a measurable difference - but perhaps not in the way many assume. 

This blog reviews the physics behind weight bearing in standing frames, explains how gravity and angle interact and highlights what this means for safe effective standing therapy.

Read More >

Why I Don’t Recommend Groin Harnesses for Positioning: Supporting a Child Who Slides Forward in Their Seat

As a new clinician, I remember being quite shocked when I encountered groin harnesses being used to keep children upright in their seats. The approach felt undignified and uncomfortable. Yet, faced with overburdened therapists and care teams, I accepted them as a regrettable necessity. My perspective has since shifted and I now believe groin harnesses are not the right solution for preventing forward sliding and should be phased out in favour of more effective strategies.

Read More >

Why prescribers need to understand and respect length-tension dynamics and the implications for seating

For individuals with physical disabilities, especially children with conditions like Cerebral Palsy, the way muscles are positioned during sitting can significantly impact comfort, function, and long term health. This blog explores the critical role of the length - tension relationship in muscle function, the risks of prolonged positioning at end range, and why prescribers must consider these factors when recommending supportive seating.

Read More >

Similar but different – Standing frames vs walking frames

For children with additional needs, specialist equipment can open up opportunities for physical development much like those available to typically developing children. Two of the most impactful devices are standing frames and walking frames. Both encourage an upright posture, but they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of each and highlight why it's important to have separate standing and walking frames.

Read More >

Reframing Our Language in Paediatric Disability: Understanding Behaviour as Communication

In healthcare, the language we choose profoundly affects how we perceive, understand, and respond to our patients. For children with disabilities, and especially those with limited verbal skills, the term “behavioural issues” is often used to describe actions that may appear disruptive or difficult. Yet, this label risks reducing complex behaviours to simple “misbehaviour,” leading us to overlook the essential fact that all behaviour is communication.

Read More >

Developing Early Wheelchair Skills

Transitioning an additional needs child from a stroller to a self-propelling wheelchair is a significant milestone in their journey towards independence. As therapists, we play a crucial role in facilitating this transition, ensuring that children not only adapt to using a wheelchair but thrive in doing so. Developing wheelchair skills early is paramount, as it sets the foundation for mobility, independence, and confidence.

Read More >