Children with risk development

The first year of life is crucial for a person. During this time, the foundations for physical, mental and emotional development are laid. However, if the child is unable to make proper progress due to a genetic predisposition, a complicated birth or other factors, it needs support in the development of the central nervous system through early therapy.

This topic will also be discussed in detail by PhDr. Jana Stanová in the TV show Women's Club, which will be broadcast on STVR on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:10 pm.

For children with at-risk development, the following applies: without therapeutic intervention, the child loses the opportunity every day to complete the necessary developmental milestones such as sitting, walking on all fours or walking. The first year of life is a unique time when there is a real opportunity to significantly reverse the threat of motor disability or mental retardation.

Dr. Jana Stanová, Ph.D., Head of the Medical Department of the ADELI Medical Center and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cyril and Method in Trnava, draws attention to important signals that parents should pay attention to. If a child does not reach basic developmental milestones such as sitting, quadruped and first steps on time, this can be a warning sign. Equally concerning are the manifestations of muscle weakness, excessive rigidity, abnormal movements such as tics, tremors or stretching, children stretching into an arc in the shape of the letter "C", and the persistence of primitive reflexes. Other symptoms may include asymmetrical movements, favoring one side of the body, problems with the use of hands and fingers, or difficulties with coordination and balance.

The developmental risk is particularly high for premature babies, babies who had to be resuscitated after birth or newborns with low APGAR values. The ADELI Medical Center therefore appeals to parents not to postpone the diagnosis or the necessary early intervention, as every day without rehabilitation means a loss of valuable time for the child.

The treatment options for immaturity of the central nervous system depend on the specific diagnosis of the child. In practice, the most commonly used is Vojta therapy, which stimulates the correct movement patterns, or the Bobath concept, which focuses on natural support for motor development. A practical example is three-month-old Jakubko, who regularly undergoes Vojta therapy at the ADELI Medical Center . His mother Naďa, a physiotherapy student, describes how the complicated birth affected Jakub's development and that it was necessary to start the therapy as soon as possible. Thanks to the exercise, they are already seeing visible improvements in his motor skills.

If parents delay or postpone the start of therapy, they risk delayed development not only in the area of movement, but also in the area of language and cognitive skills. Without timely help, there is a risk of developing secondary problems such as scoliosis, body deformities or eating disorders.

Dr. Jana Stanová emphasizes that early therapeutic intervention is the best chance for a child to achieve the best possible development and quality of life. Every day of therapy can determine his or her future independence.