Muscle Strength Abstract #1: Cage Ball Strength Exercises

Objective: To improve upper and lower body strength

Equipment: Cage Ball

Description:

1. Have the class get into a circle and sit with legs extended. Have students kick ball around circle. Physical Adaptation: Student in wheelchair will move ball with arms in place of legs).
2. Have class lift ball with legs and pass it to the person next to them (This activity may necessitate a smaller sized ball). Physical Adaptation: Student in wheelchair will lift ball with arms and pass it to the next person in the circle.
3. Have each student lie on back. Have one student lie on back and pass ball to someone else in the circle. In order to pass the ball the student must go from a lying position to a sitting position while throwing the cage ball. Physical Adaptation: Have student raise ball over head and bend at the waist while throwing the ball to someone in the circle. This may require a smaller, lighter ball. Make sure that the student has good upper trunk control to avoid falling out of the chair. If the student has poor upper trunk control, use a safety belt across chest.
4. While sitting, have students pass cage ball overhead to person sitting next to them.
5. Have students lie on stomach and lift head and push ball with arms to other members in the circle. Physical Adaptation: Student in wheelchair may be able to perform this activity without any adaptations if they are permitted to lie on the floor. If the student is unable to be removed from the wheelchair, have student hold cage ball above head and lift and lower the ball one time before bouncing it to another partner.

Muscle Strength Abstract #2: Foam Ball Strength Exercises

Objective: To improve upper and lower body strength

Equipment: Foam balls (approximately 8.5" in diameter) for each student in the class

Description: These strengthening exercises are good for everyone in the class but are particularly beneficial for students with physical disabilities who have lower extremity weakness. All of the exercises can be done in the wheelchair, or for nondisabled students, sitting on the floor.

Lower Body

1. Have class put ball under thigh and extend knee slowly.
2. Place ball on the floor and press down with the sole of each foot.
3. Place ball between knees and squeeze (hip adduction).
4. Place ball on the outside of leg and hold with one hand and squeeze (hip abduction).
   Physical Adaptation: For students in wheelchairs, place ball between outside thigh and wheelchair.
5. Pair up with a partner and have the person hold ball in the middle of the back. Have student press firmly against ball.
   Physical Adaptation: For students in wheelchairs, place ball between back and wheelchair.

Upper Body

1. Hold ball on chest and squeeze.
2. Squeeze ball with arms extended in front of body.
3. Squeeze ball with arms extended overhead.
4. Place ball on lap and bend over and squeeze.

Muscle Strength Abstract #3: Scooter Scramble

Equipment: Scooters for each person in the class.

Description: Divide the class into four teams with eight players on each team. Start the game with four teams. Set up soccer goals on each side of the gymnasium. Players sit on scooters. Give each team a set of large colored balls (one color per team and one for each player). At the signal, each team must attempt to throw all of their balls into the opponents' goals. At the same time, players are trying to block the other teams from throwing their balls into their goal.

Physical Adaptation: Students in wheelchairs can remain in their own chairs and use a fishing net to sweep up balls and throw them into their opponents' goals.

Cognitive Adaptation: Students with developmental delays who are not versatile on a scooter can stand and move around.