Who’s Afraid of Wolff’s Law? Inter-systemic Kinesioplasticity During Development

From the beginning of life, the experience of a child begins to shape their long-term trajectory, via epigenetics and developmental plasticity of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. For individuals with pediatric health conditions, altered movement experiences during development often magnify the impact of the health condition on their childhood, adolescent, and adult functional outcomes. Physical and occupational therapists have a unique opportunity to combat the high rates of chronic health conditions, pain, and low participation in daily life activities for these individuals. Strategically planning regular movement, weight bearing, participation, and wellness experiences with episodes of direct care during key critical windows of early childhood, school age, and adolescence has the potential to dramatically improve long-term outcomes. This session will discuss inter-systemic kinesioplasticity as a framework for evaluation and intervention from infancy through adulthood, with the goal of supporting self-determination, participation, wellness, and quality of life through the lifespan.