Method for treatment of infants with developmental delay

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is a method for treatment of infants at risk for birth-related disabilities. Specifically, this disclosure is directed toward those infants at risk for neuromuscular disabilities caused by premature birth and / or injury during birth. An inflatable collar is affixed around the infant's neck. The infant wearing the aforementioned collar is immersed into a water bath in which the water has been heated to approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The infant's head is supported by the inflated collar to ensure safe breathing. The infant's torso and extremities are suspended in the warm water bath. The infant is permitted to move in the water bath without being restrained by gravity. By the method disclosed herein, infants at risk for neuromuscular disabilities are permitted to exercise their muscles to develop muscle tone and promote neuromuscular coordination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This utility patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 879,280 filed on Jan. 9, 2007. A copy of which is attached hereto by reference as if fully set forth.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]The invention described in this application was not the subject of federally sponsored research or development.BACKGROUND[0003]1. Field[0004]The field of the invention disclosed herein is a method of treatment for infants who are developmentally delayed. Specifically, the invention disclosed herein is a method by which infants may further develop neuromuscular coordination, muscular tone and lung capacity.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Birth-related childhood disability is a major problem of most developed nations. Children suffering from birth-related disability display decreased coordination, lack of muscle tone, decreased lung capacity, neuroco...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention disclosed herein is a method for treatment of infants at risk for neuromuscular developmental delay which begins at birth and which is low cost, and easy to perform. Specifically, an inflatable collar is affixed around the neck of the infant so as to support the infant's head above the level of the water. The infant to which the inflatable collar is affixed is placed in a tub or other receptacle filled with water which has been heated to approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The inflated collar supports the child's head and keeps the child's head above the surface of the water. The child's torso and extremities are suspended in the warm water where the weight of the child is supported by the water. The muscles of the child's body are permitted free movement in the water without the hindrance of gravity. By this method the child is permitted to move freely exercising all of the muscles of the torso and extremities. By this method cognitive development, neuromuscular coordination, muscular tone and lung capacity are all improved. Older children with recognized developmental delays may also benefit from the treatment disclosed herein.

Problems solved by technology

Birth-related childhood disability is a major problem of most developed nations.

These problems are especially evident in infants born prematurely and in those infants who suffer brain injury during the birth process.

The emotional and financial costs in supporting infants suffering from birth-related disabilities can last a lifetime and are enormous.

Much time in rehabilitation is lost from the time of birth until formal rehabilitation measures are implemented.

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