התנהגויות מאתגרות הינן גורם המקשה ביותר על השתלבותם של אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית בחברה והוא מהווה ... more התנהגויות מאתגרות הינן גורם המקשה ביותר על השתלבותם של אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית בחברה והוא מהווה אחד מגורמי השחיקה הקשים ביותר לעובדים עם אוכלוסייה זו. הגישה הרב-תחושתית כוללת סביבה מותאמת אשר פותחה בראשית שנות ה- 70 בהולנד עבור אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית קשה. המאמר הנוכחי מציג שני תיאורי מקרה המראים הפחתה בבעיות התנהגות בעקבות טיפול בסביבה הרב-תחושתית "סנוזלן" אשר נערך במרכזי הפנימייה על-שם צבי קוויטמן, בירושלים. המאמר מראה כי ניתן להשיג הישגים טיפוליים מדידים בסביבה הרב-תחושתית, על-ידי הבניית תוכנית הטיפול. ההישגים הללו באים לידי ביטוי בחיי היום יום של המטופלים, תוך שמירה על אופיו החוויתי, המאפשר, של הטיפול. הסביבה הרב-תחושתית מתגלה כאן באופן ברור ככלי טיפולי יעיל בבעיות התנהגות קשות ביותר. בתיאורי המקרה מוצגים שלבים של הפסקת טיפול והתחלתו מחדש (Washout), המחזק את טענת הכותבים ביחס להשפעת הטיפול בסביבה הרב-תחושתית. כותבי המאמר קוראים לאנשי מקצוע פרה-רפואיים להוסיף את הסביבה הרב-תחושתית למאגר שיטות העבודה המקובלות שלהם ובכך לתרום הן למטופליהם והן להרחבת מגוון הטיפולים המוצע...
Journal of Intellectual Developmental Disability, Sep 1, 2009
Background The Snoezelen 1 is a multisensory intervention approach that has been implemented with... more Background The Snoezelen 1 is a multisensory intervention approach that has been implemented with various populations. Due to an almost complete absence of rigorous research in this field, the confirmation of this approach as an effective therapeutic intervention is warranted. Method To evaluate the therapeutic influence of the Snoezelen 1 approach. Twenty-eight relevant articles relating to individual (one-to-one) Snoezelen 1 intervention with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were reviewed. A meta-analysis regarding the significance of the reduction of maladaptive behaviour and the enhancement of adaptive behaviour was implemented. An analysis of standardised mean differences was used through the use of fixed effect models.
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with arrest in brain development. The disord... more Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with arrest in brain development. The disorder is caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome, mainly affecting females. The syndrome usually manifested itself through vast clinical impairments in functional abilities including motor disability. According to different studies only 50-75% of all affected females will achieve walking ability, and some will lose this ability later in life. The benefits of living a physically active life both for handicapped as well as for non-handicapped individuals have been vastly described in the literature. Since life expectancy of individuals with RTT is around 50 years of age, and due to the medical and functional difficulties accompanying this syndrome it is extremely important that the person with RTT will be engaged in an ongoing active life style from a young age. In addition to the achievements of gait there are a few case studies describing the regaining of lost walking ability in this population due to an intensive intervention. The present article explores the benefits of walking for this population and describes a case study, where applied behavioral analysis (ABA) techniques were used to extend her daily walking ability. The present case study is unique, as no existing literature supporting the use of ABA techniques for individuals with RTT was found. The findings of the present investigation support existing literature suggesting the importance of an intensive adapted intervention which can improve functional abilities in individuals with RTT.
We developed clinical guidelines for the management of bone health in Rett syndrome through evide... more We developed clinical guidelines for the management of bone health in Rett syndrome through evidence review and the consensus of an expert panel of clinicians. An initial guidelines draft was created which included statements based upon literature review and 11 open-ended questions where literature was lacking. The international expert panel reviewed the draft online using a 2-stage Delphi process to reach consensus agreement. Items describe the clinical assessment of bone health, bone mineral density assessment and technique, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Agreement was reached on 39 statements which were formulated from 41 statements and 11 questions. When assessing bone health in Rett syndrome a comprehensive assessment of fracture history, mutation type, prescribed medication, pubertal development, mobility level, dietary intake and biochemical bone markers is recommended. A baseline densitometry assessment should be performed with accommodations made for size, with the frequency of surveillance determined according to individual risk. Lateral spine x-rays are also suggested. Increasing physical activity and initiating calcium and vitamin D supplementation when low are the first approaches to optimizing bone health in Rett syndrome. If individuals with Rett syndrome meet the ISCD criterion for osteoporosis in children, the use of bisphosphonates is recommended. A clinically significant history of fracture in combination with low bone densitometry findings is necessary for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. These evidence and consensus-based guidelines have the potential to improve bone health in those with Rett syndrome, reduce the frequency of fractures, and stimulate further research that aims to ameliorate the impacts of this serious comorbidity.
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder, affecting mainly females, caused by MECP2 mutation... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder, affecting mainly females, caused by MECP2 mutations usually resulting in severe physical disability. Due to the physical challenges faced by the individual with RS and her family, her rehabilitation program should support her throughout different daily activities, contexts, and surroundings. Rehabilitation interventions to reverse physical impairments include exercise of various types and different physical modalities. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases, hands-on therapeutic intervention opportunities are available for the client through a minute part of her waking hours. Hence, a supplementary system is required in order to engulf the child with a comprehensive network of support. Supplementary intervention can support physical impairment by introducing adaptive techniques, environmental modifications, and assistive technologies. The therapy program of an individual with RS should include the use of assistive technology when such devices improve the user's performance. The term "supplementary management" relates to the fact that this intervention may be performed by nonprofessionals with the supervision of a qualified therapist. Such an intervention can further support the therapeutic goals of the child, at a time when direct intervention is not supplied. The present article will review the available literature on the topic of assistive technology, incorporating the clinical knowledge of the author in the field of RS. Lotan: Assistive Technology and Rett Syndrome TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2007) 7, 903-948 904 residence. Kerr[2] has asserted that exercise taught to caregivers is highly recommended throughout the life of the individual with RS and she suggests that regular activity is essential for the long-lasting health of this population .
Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a life of inactivity that can result in a multitu... more Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a life of inactivity that can result in a multitude of medical problems including heart and vascular diseases. This review presents findings regarding the physical status of individuals with DS, as well as proper interventions found to improve the physical fitness and general health for this population. This review was written with the intent to suggest practical directions in planning and implementing quality physical intervention programs for this population.
Osteoporosis is the reduction of calcium density in bones, usually evident in postmenopausal fema... more Osteoporosis is the reduction of calcium density in bones, usually evident in postmenopausal females, yet the tendency for osteoporosis can also be identified at a young age, especially in patients with chronic diseases, disabilities, and on chronic anticonvalsant treatment. Individuals with Rett syndrome (RS) have been found to show signs of osteoporosis at a young age. This condition may cause pathological fractures, inflict pain, and seriously damage mobility. In such cases, the quality of life of the individual and her primary caretakers will be severely hampered. This article reviews the current knowledge of the phenomenon and suggests some clinical directions for the individual with RS who shows signs of osteoporosis. The article also presents novel findings from a screening test of bone strength in 35 individuals with RS at different ages using the Sunlight Omnisense 7000P ultrasound apparatus. The primary results from this investigation showed a strong and significant positi...
Rett syndrome (RS) is a genetic disorder affecting mainly females. In the majority of cases, it i... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a genetic disorder affecting mainly females. In the majority of cases, it is caused by a mutation in MECP2, an X-linked gene, and considered the most common multidisabling genetic disorder in females after Down syndrome. This article is an introduction to RS. It presents the basic understanding of common characteristics typical of this disorder, and the variants from the classical expression of RS. The present article will review the current literature on RS, specially focusing on the clinical characteristics of the disorder. The intention of the article is to set a clear, up-to-date picture of the individual with RS to prepare the clinician for their future meetings with this population.
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder affecting mainly females. RS is considered the seco... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder affecting mainly females. RS is considered the second most frequent cause for severe and complex neurological dysfunction in females after Down syndrome. Patients with RS are characterized by an array of neurological and orthopedic difficulties that mandate an intensive therapeutic intervention program for the duration of the individual's life. Many aspects of the client's well-being and functional status depend on the therapeutic intervention she receives and on her compliance to it. This article will briefly review common intervention approaches for individuals with RS and their present day's application. Due to the notion that individual intervention is the foundation on which progress and development of the functional gains rests, the present article will place basic guidelines for individual intervention with clients with RS. The article is mainly based on the clinical experience of the author and others working with ind...
Numerous studies have described an association between participation in physical activity and an ... more Numerous studies have described an association between participation in physical activity and an enhanced sense of well-being. These findings have been documented in both genders across the lifespan. Connections between exercise and positive physical, psychological, emotional and educational outcomes have also been found. New findings indicate that is an ongoing and increasing tendency for sedentary lifestyles across age groups and gender in many countries. In addition, there are many factors that work together to contribute to a sedentary lifestyle in individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (ID/DD). These findings are concerning, and indicate that people with ID/DD are at relatively high risk for the development of multiple negative consequences of physical inactivity. This review presents current literature that addresses the question of physical activity in adolescents with ID/DD. In addition, this review presents the connection between higher levels of physica...
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation. It is... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation. It is characterized by a variety of physical and perceptual disabilities, resulting in a need for continuous intervention programs to be administered on a regular basis throughout life. Many of these individuals with RS show fear of movement and, therefore, find it hard to accept external facilitation (so common in physical therapy intervention). In a search for novel intervention techniques that might improve their ability to cope with difficulties in daily situations, while also reducing their difficulty in handling motion inflicted by an external physical facilitator, we examined the use of the Snoezelen room. The Snoezelen, also known as the controlled multisensory environment, can provide a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the individual with RS, while at the same time it can improve physical, sensorial, and functional abilities. This article suggests various intervention goals that a...
International journal of adolescent medicine and health
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social w... more The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Based on this declaration the construct of well-being has been researched. Many researchers have set a clear path between physical exercise and feeling better or the connection of reduced physical activity and diminished health. Nevertheless the allusive subjective psychological construct of well-being has not been directly connected to physical activity. Despite abundance of technical evidence that supports notions of correlations between physical exercise and well-being, the scientific proof is not within our reach yet. Some of the basic reasons are the facts that the definition of well-being is unclear, not many RCT's (Randomized Control Trials) have been performed, dose related results are scarce and many articles use small populations and different methodology. Until an actual research based connection will be found between physical exercise and well-being, the author...
International journal of adolescent medicine and health
Despite some inconsistencies in research methodologies, most findings support a positive correlat... more Despite some inconsistencies in research methodologies, most findings support a positive correlation between participation in physical activities and well-being in adulthood. The results are consistent across the life span of both genders. Favorable connection between physical exercise to physical, psychological, emotional and educational benefits has been constantly proven. Despite such results a comparison between present to past findings show a global tendency for sedentary life style and reduced physical activities in many countries across ages and genders. There are claims that achieving an adult healthy life style is rooted in habits acquired at early ages, thus pointing at childhood and adolescence as the starting point of an active and healthy adulthood. The present article reviews the current literature and findings relating to physical activity with better health and an emphasis on adolescence. Factors correlated to participation of adolescents in physical activities are p...
International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 2010
Abstract Over the past decade we have observed an increase in life-span for people with intellect... more Abstract Over the past decade we have observed an increase in life-span for people with intellectual disability (ID), which can be seen as the consequence of progress in medical technology and improved social awareness in the 20th century. In the past, most ...
Page 1. Chapter 25 Allied Health Professionals and Intellectual Disability: Moving Toward Indepen... more Page 1. Chapter 25 Allied Health Professionals and Intellectual Disability: Moving Toward Independence Meir Lotan Abstract Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) usually have to cope with an array of functional, mental, and ...
Recent research findings suggest that many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) demonstr... more Recent research findings suggest that many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) demonstrate delayed and atypical motor achievements. It has now become clear that a more holistic, integrative and multi-disciplinary intervention is required to effectively address the motor-related impairments of this population. It is also crucial to ensure that this group of clients has access to early physical therapy (PT) interventions. Despite accumulating research on physical interventions, little is known about intervention model for implementation at a national level. This report introduces a model that uniquely illustrates implementation of PT services for a large number of children with ASD. The model has been operating for the past 2 years in one country (Israel), and includes an optional implementation model of PT practice settings for young children diagnosed with ASD. The Israeli setting offers a unique opportunity for implementing PT services for a multitude of children with ASD on a regular basis as an accepted/needed service. The initial outcomes of the present implementation suggest that an intensive PT intervention program might enhance therapeutic outcomes for this population, and contribute to our knowledge on the potential of PT for individuals with ASD.
התנהגויות מאתגרות הינן גורם המקשה ביותר על השתלבותם של אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית בחברה והוא מהווה ... more התנהגויות מאתגרות הינן גורם המקשה ביותר על השתלבותם של אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית בחברה והוא מהווה אחד מגורמי השחיקה הקשים ביותר לעובדים עם אוכלוסייה זו. הגישה הרב-תחושתית כוללת סביבה מותאמת אשר פותחה בראשית שנות ה- 70 בהולנד עבור אנשים עם לקות קוגניטיבית קשה. המאמר הנוכחי מציג שני תיאורי מקרה המראים הפחתה בבעיות התנהגות בעקבות טיפול בסביבה הרב-תחושתית "סנוזלן" אשר נערך במרכזי הפנימייה על-שם צבי קוויטמן, בירושלים. המאמר מראה כי ניתן להשיג הישגים טיפוליים מדידים בסביבה הרב-תחושתית, על-ידי הבניית תוכנית הטיפול. ההישגים הללו באים לידי ביטוי בחיי היום יום של המטופלים, תוך שמירה על אופיו החוויתי, המאפשר, של הטיפול. הסביבה הרב-תחושתית מתגלה כאן באופן ברור ככלי טיפולי יעיל בבעיות התנהגות קשות ביותר. בתיאורי המקרה מוצגים שלבים של הפסקת טיפול והתחלתו מחדש (Washout), המחזק את טענת הכותבים ביחס להשפעת הטיפול בסביבה הרב-תחושתית. כותבי המאמר קוראים לאנשי מקצוע פרה-רפואיים להוסיף את הסביבה הרב-תחושתית למאגר שיטות העבודה המקובלות שלהם ובכך לתרום הן למטופליהם והן להרחבת מגוון הטיפולים המוצע...
Journal of Intellectual Developmental Disability, Sep 1, 2009
Background The Snoezelen 1 is a multisensory intervention approach that has been implemented with... more Background The Snoezelen 1 is a multisensory intervention approach that has been implemented with various populations. Due to an almost complete absence of rigorous research in this field, the confirmation of this approach as an effective therapeutic intervention is warranted. Method To evaluate the therapeutic influence of the Snoezelen 1 approach. Twenty-eight relevant articles relating to individual (one-to-one) Snoezelen 1 intervention with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were reviewed. A meta-analysis regarding the significance of the reduction of maladaptive behaviour and the enhancement of adaptive behaviour was implemented. An analysis of standardised mean differences was used through the use of fixed effect models.
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with arrest in brain development. The disord... more Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with arrest in brain development. The disorder is caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome, mainly affecting females. The syndrome usually manifested itself through vast clinical impairments in functional abilities including motor disability. According to different studies only 50-75% of all affected females will achieve walking ability, and some will lose this ability later in life. The benefits of living a physically active life both for handicapped as well as for non-handicapped individuals have been vastly described in the literature. Since life expectancy of individuals with RTT is around 50 years of age, and due to the medical and functional difficulties accompanying this syndrome it is extremely important that the person with RTT will be engaged in an ongoing active life style from a young age. In addition to the achievements of gait there are a few case studies describing the regaining of lost walking ability in this population due to an intensive intervention. The present article explores the benefits of walking for this population and describes a case study, where applied behavioral analysis (ABA) techniques were used to extend her daily walking ability. The present case study is unique, as no existing literature supporting the use of ABA techniques for individuals with RTT was found. The findings of the present investigation support existing literature suggesting the importance of an intensive adapted intervention which can improve functional abilities in individuals with RTT.
We developed clinical guidelines for the management of bone health in Rett syndrome through evide... more We developed clinical guidelines for the management of bone health in Rett syndrome through evidence review and the consensus of an expert panel of clinicians. An initial guidelines draft was created which included statements based upon literature review and 11 open-ended questions where literature was lacking. The international expert panel reviewed the draft online using a 2-stage Delphi process to reach consensus agreement. Items describe the clinical assessment of bone health, bone mineral density assessment and technique, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Agreement was reached on 39 statements which were formulated from 41 statements and 11 questions. When assessing bone health in Rett syndrome a comprehensive assessment of fracture history, mutation type, prescribed medication, pubertal development, mobility level, dietary intake and biochemical bone markers is recommended. A baseline densitometry assessment should be performed with accommodations made for size, with the frequency of surveillance determined according to individual risk. Lateral spine x-rays are also suggested. Increasing physical activity and initiating calcium and vitamin D supplementation when low are the first approaches to optimizing bone health in Rett syndrome. If individuals with Rett syndrome meet the ISCD criterion for osteoporosis in children, the use of bisphosphonates is recommended. A clinically significant history of fracture in combination with low bone densitometry findings is necessary for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. These evidence and consensus-based guidelines have the potential to improve bone health in those with Rett syndrome, reduce the frequency of fractures, and stimulate further research that aims to ameliorate the impacts of this serious comorbidity.
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder, affecting mainly females, caused by MECP2 mutation... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder, affecting mainly females, caused by MECP2 mutations usually resulting in severe physical disability. Due to the physical challenges faced by the individual with RS and her family, her rehabilitation program should support her throughout different daily activities, contexts, and surroundings. Rehabilitation interventions to reverse physical impairments include exercise of various types and different physical modalities. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases, hands-on therapeutic intervention opportunities are available for the client through a minute part of her waking hours. Hence, a supplementary system is required in order to engulf the child with a comprehensive network of support. Supplementary intervention can support physical impairment by introducing adaptive techniques, environmental modifications, and assistive technologies. The therapy program of an individual with RS should include the use of assistive technology when such devices improve the user's performance. The term "supplementary management" relates to the fact that this intervention may be performed by nonprofessionals with the supervision of a qualified therapist. Such an intervention can further support the therapeutic goals of the child, at a time when direct intervention is not supplied. The present article will review the available literature on the topic of assistive technology, incorporating the clinical knowledge of the author in the field of RS. Lotan: Assistive Technology and Rett Syndrome TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2007) 7, 903-948 904 residence. Kerr[2] has asserted that exercise taught to caregivers is highly recommended throughout the life of the individual with RS and she suggests that regular activity is essential for the long-lasting health of this population .
Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a life of inactivity that can result in a multitu... more Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a life of inactivity that can result in a multitude of medical problems including heart and vascular diseases. This review presents findings regarding the physical status of individuals with DS, as well as proper interventions found to improve the physical fitness and general health for this population. This review was written with the intent to suggest practical directions in planning and implementing quality physical intervention programs for this population.
Osteoporosis is the reduction of calcium density in bones, usually evident in postmenopausal fema... more Osteoporosis is the reduction of calcium density in bones, usually evident in postmenopausal females, yet the tendency for osteoporosis can also be identified at a young age, especially in patients with chronic diseases, disabilities, and on chronic anticonvalsant treatment. Individuals with Rett syndrome (RS) have been found to show signs of osteoporosis at a young age. This condition may cause pathological fractures, inflict pain, and seriously damage mobility. In such cases, the quality of life of the individual and her primary caretakers will be severely hampered. This article reviews the current knowledge of the phenomenon and suggests some clinical directions for the individual with RS who shows signs of osteoporosis. The article also presents novel findings from a screening test of bone strength in 35 individuals with RS at different ages using the Sunlight Omnisense 7000P ultrasound apparatus. The primary results from this investigation showed a strong and significant positi...
Rett syndrome (RS) is a genetic disorder affecting mainly females. In the majority of cases, it i... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a genetic disorder affecting mainly females. In the majority of cases, it is caused by a mutation in MECP2, an X-linked gene, and considered the most common multidisabling genetic disorder in females after Down syndrome. This article is an introduction to RS. It presents the basic understanding of common characteristics typical of this disorder, and the variants from the classical expression of RS. The present article will review the current literature on RS, specially focusing on the clinical characteristics of the disorder. The intention of the article is to set a clear, up-to-date picture of the individual with RS to prepare the clinician for their future meetings with this population.
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder affecting mainly females. RS is considered the seco... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder affecting mainly females. RS is considered the second most frequent cause for severe and complex neurological dysfunction in females after Down syndrome. Patients with RS are characterized by an array of neurological and orthopedic difficulties that mandate an intensive therapeutic intervention program for the duration of the individual's life. Many aspects of the client's well-being and functional status depend on the therapeutic intervention she receives and on her compliance to it. This article will briefly review common intervention approaches for individuals with RS and their present day's application. Due to the notion that individual intervention is the foundation on which progress and development of the functional gains rests, the present article will place basic guidelines for individual intervention with clients with RS. The article is mainly based on the clinical experience of the author and others working with ind...
Numerous studies have described an association between participation in physical activity and an ... more Numerous studies have described an association between participation in physical activity and an enhanced sense of well-being. These findings have been documented in both genders across the lifespan. Connections between exercise and positive physical, psychological, emotional and educational outcomes have also been found. New findings indicate that is an ongoing and increasing tendency for sedentary lifestyles across age groups and gender in many countries. In addition, there are many factors that work together to contribute to a sedentary lifestyle in individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (ID/DD). These findings are concerning, and indicate that people with ID/DD are at relatively high risk for the development of multiple negative consequences of physical inactivity. This review presents current literature that addresses the question of physical activity in adolescents with ID/DD. In addition, this review presents the connection between higher levels of physica...
Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation. It is... more Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation. It is characterized by a variety of physical and perceptual disabilities, resulting in a need for continuous intervention programs to be administered on a regular basis throughout life. Many of these individuals with RS show fear of movement and, therefore, find it hard to accept external facilitation (so common in physical therapy intervention). In a search for novel intervention techniques that might improve their ability to cope with difficulties in daily situations, while also reducing their difficulty in handling motion inflicted by an external physical facilitator, we examined the use of the Snoezelen room. The Snoezelen, also known as the controlled multisensory environment, can provide a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the individual with RS, while at the same time it can improve physical, sensorial, and functional abilities. This article suggests various intervention goals that a...
International journal of adolescent medicine and health
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social w... more The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Based on this declaration the construct of well-being has been researched. Many researchers have set a clear path between physical exercise and feeling better or the connection of reduced physical activity and diminished health. Nevertheless the allusive subjective psychological construct of well-being has not been directly connected to physical activity. Despite abundance of technical evidence that supports notions of correlations between physical exercise and well-being, the scientific proof is not within our reach yet. Some of the basic reasons are the facts that the definition of well-being is unclear, not many RCT's (Randomized Control Trials) have been performed, dose related results are scarce and many articles use small populations and different methodology. Until an actual research based connection will be found between physical exercise and well-being, the author...
International journal of adolescent medicine and health
Despite some inconsistencies in research methodologies, most findings support a positive correlat... more Despite some inconsistencies in research methodologies, most findings support a positive correlation between participation in physical activities and well-being in adulthood. The results are consistent across the life span of both genders. Favorable connection between physical exercise to physical, psychological, emotional and educational benefits has been constantly proven. Despite such results a comparison between present to past findings show a global tendency for sedentary life style and reduced physical activities in many countries across ages and genders. There are claims that achieving an adult healthy life style is rooted in habits acquired at early ages, thus pointing at childhood and adolescence as the starting point of an active and healthy adulthood. The present article reviews the current literature and findings relating to physical activity with better health and an emphasis on adolescence. Factors correlated to participation of adolescents in physical activities are p...
International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 2010
Abstract Over the past decade we have observed an increase in life-span for people with intellect... more Abstract Over the past decade we have observed an increase in life-span for people with intellectual disability (ID), which can be seen as the consequence of progress in medical technology and improved social awareness in the 20th century. In the past, most ...
Page 1. Chapter 25 Allied Health Professionals and Intellectual Disability: Moving Toward Indepen... more Page 1. Chapter 25 Allied Health Professionals and Intellectual Disability: Moving Toward Independence Meir Lotan Abstract Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) usually have to cope with an array of functional, mental, and ...
Recent research findings suggest that many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) demonstr... more Recent research findings suggest that many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) demonstrate delayed and atypical motor achievements. It has now become clear that a more holistic, integrative and multi-disciplinary intervention is required to effectively address the motor-related impairments of this population. It is also crucial to ensure that this group of clients has access to early physical therapy (PT) interventions. Despite accumulating research on physical interventions, little is known about intervention model for implementation at a national level. This report introduces a model that uniquely illustrates implementation of PT services for a large number of children with ASD. The model has been operating for the past 2 years in one country (Israel), and includes an optional implementation model of PT practice settings for young children diagnosed with ASD. The Israeli setting offers a unique opportunity for implementing PT services for a multitude of children with ASD on a regular basis as an accepted/needed service. The initial outcomes of the present implementation suggest that an intensive PT intervention program might enhance therapeutic outcomes for this population, and contribute to our knowledge on the potential of PT for individuals with ASD.
Uploads
Papers by Meir Lotan