(Nov 28) Children On The Move is an exercise programme aimed at helping children improve their motor skills and physical fitness.

Children who are referred to it are placed in three categories to better address individual needs.

The first category is for children with learning and neuromuscular disabilities including autism, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and joint-related problems which limit their motor skills.

In the second category are children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

These children are not suffering from any medical conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, but have poor development in motor coordination that significantly interferes with their academic performance and activities of daily living.

'They are children who have poor physical coordination,' says Dr Ong Wee Sian, consultant sports physician and head of the Sports Medicine Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

'They find themselves tripping over their own feet or running into other children while playing. Play is important to children.'

These children are often excluded by their peers from joining in their games or they may, on their own, withdraw from playing with other children.

'The long-term repercussion is that these kids become withdrawn and their self-esteem and self-confidence may be adversely affected,' says Dr Ong.

The third group comprises children with medical conditions but who have no physical disabilities. For example, children with asthma who can run and play like other children when they are well.

It is their parents who may be overly protective and who do not allow them to engage in physical activities such as joining PE lessons in school.

'In fact, with these asthmatic children, physical exercise is important. It helps them to improve their medical condition and fitness,' adds Dr Ong.

Children enrolled in this programme will first have their fundamental motor skills (for example, running, jumping and hopping) assessed by the trainer before enrolment.

'After the assessment, we will draw up an individual programme for the child to help him work on his problem areas. There is no fanciful or expensive equipment involved. We use things like hula hoops, bean bags, balls and skipping ropes,' explains Dr Ong.

Parents are encouraged to attend these sessions with their children so that they can observe and help their children continue with these exercises at home.

Children in this programme attend six to 12 one-hour weekly sessions, which cost $60 per session.

The first six sessions are one-on-one with the trainer. After that, depending on the child's progress, he may join in group sessions - with a maximum of up to four children.

A home-exercise plan is given to the parents and the child is re-evaluated at appropriate intervals to determine if he should remain in the programme.

A doctor's referral is necessary for enrolment in the programme.

Parents can also make an appointment to see the doctor at the Sports Medicine Clinic by calling 6294-4050. Children already seeing paediatricians at KK Hospital can be referred to the programme by their doctors.

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