Leaps and Bounds

The Leaps and Bounds Injury Prevention program is designed as an introduction into body control and injury prevention that Physical Education teachers can incorporate into their classes and build on throughout the semester. The program was developed in response to the staggering increase in injuries that we have seen in the adolescent population, particularly in kids from 11 to 14 years of age.

 

This 6-week program meets once per week and is designed for 6th through 8th grade Physical Education classes. A variety of activities are used to build sound fundamental movement patterns that meet the different developmental levels of these growing individuals. Members of the Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine staff go on-site during the day to take the students through exercises and games designed to improve body control and help reduce the risk of activity related injuries.

 

During the program, students are engaged in small group instruction with Certified Athletic Trainers. The Athletic Trainers teach lessons on strength, balance, agility and power, and how they relate to overall body control. Students are taught how to safely perform exercises that can be done both in and out of the classroom setting.