Groan Stick to Assist Sit- Ups

Today I asked several children to maintain bilateral grasp on a groan stick while doing sit-ups. I either held the tube in the center while the child grasped on either side of my hand or I helped them to actually maintain their grasp on it. Either way it seemed to make them aware that they needed to use both hands (a couple of kids had a side neglect) while strengthening hands and providing a point of stabilization while working the abdominals to do sit-ups. I also gave support at the shoulders. Playing with the the stick to make the groan sounds provides a nice reward when all done working.

Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of, The Recycling Occupational Therapist
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