If you have a child with low muscle tone, you may have seen them wilt like flowers in the sun. Even if they are well-hydrated, even if they are having fun, they just can’t run as fast or sit as steadily when they are warm. Add a SPIO vest or other compression garment, and the tripping and falling seems to happen more often. What gives?
Just like a warm bath relaxes your tight shoulders after a long day, heat relaxes muscles. It doesn’t matter if the heat is environmental or neutral warmth, the kind that is generated by your child’s own body and is held in by the SPIO or her clothes. It is still heat. And some kids with low tone don’t sweat efficiently, using the body’s natural method of heat reduction. This isn’t a minor concern if you have a child that is pretty unsteady on a cool day. Kids with low tone that are out and about in the heat can become so floppy that they stumble and get injured. That is a problem.
What can you do? Well, you may not be able to wear that SPIO in the heat. Try kineseotaping instead. (ask your OT or PT if they have been trained in it’s use). Alternate time in air conditioning and time outside. Offer cold drinks and ice pops if they can lick and swallow an ice pop safely. Dress lightly and choose clothes with fabrics that evaporate body heat. Choose shoes that offer more support, not Crocs or sandals. This is not the time to pick the least-supportive footwear.
Most importantly, monitor them for safety and be aware that children really cannot judge whether or not they should come in and cool off. They are counting on you to keep them safe!
