United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I took Amber with me on my walk today, and she took off in front of me being a goofball of sorts. While watching her, I noticed that only when she was hoarsing around did she swing her right arm (ROBPI) while walking/running and the rest of the time she kept it bent at the elbow and tucked in at her side. Anybody else notice their child doing this. I've never really paid attention to this, as Amber is always hoarsing around and arms are going a mile a minute or a leg is kicking here or there doing ballet or something else to draw my attention somewhere else. For some reason though, I caught it this morning and it's been sitting in the back of my mind ever since. I'm sure she's not the only one.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 4 years old

Yes my son's arm also doesn't really swing either. I believe it is considered normal for a child who has a BPI!
Blessings,
Kristie

Joshua usually postures in extension when he runs. If he bends his elbow, we are happy! He doesn't swing a lot, but we've seen that if he is carrying something he swings it more.

Kate

I have no arm swing unless I am carrying something.
I am not sure if I put something in my arm so that it is not noticeable or it's for comfort.

I remember practice arm swinging with my Mom.
I found it so confusing as to when I should swing my arm.
It does not come naturally to me so I don't even try anymore.

I can do some things with my right arm, I just forget to use it.
I still won't save myself from a fall with my right arm.
I catch myself just letting my arm hang and when it gets uncomfortable ( my shoulder and arm is heavy)I position my arm next to my waist.

I wonder if therapy can correct this brain disconnect to our arms?
I know I use to hate it when my mother made me practice walking and swing my arms.
She also worked on my walk, I assume, she noticed I had/have gait issues.

Kath robpi/adult

I don't swing mine either (LOBPI) when I walk unless the right side is carrying something... it's normal. My surgeon at the Shriners told me this when I was 14. When I run it does what it's supposed to though.
Marieke (31, LOBPI)


Message was edited by: marieke

Very weird that you mentioned this b/c we don't speak of her injury often these days. BUT just yesterday I said to my husband that Ella has been running with the injured arm bent to her side like you described and only the non injured arm swinging. I told Ella to try to swing both arms and she can do it. She just needs to be reminded of this. Not sure if it is habit, the fact that it is most comfortable there, or what, but she definitely can swing it along when she thinks about it. It still doesn't look exactly the same, but it does swing. I think I am noticing more things once again b/c the nice weather is here and I am watching her run and play outside. Different from winter when we are inside more.
~Krista~

My 2 cents on this:
My LOBPI Arm doesn't swing either...I agree with the "Brain Disconnect" theory that Kath mentioned. I too, have Balance AND Gait Issues[secondary Birth Injury Condition of BPI].

HUGS Y'All!!,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/68+...Yikes!

When I was a child, my arms would swing naturally while I walked. While running, both arms were bent at the elbow and did what they were supposed to do while I ran.

Now, my BPI arm swings some, but not naturally, like my non-injured arm. I am too heavy to run, so I haven't done that in years.

Joanie

Juliana does not arm swing at all. She can march and swing her arm, but it is all slowed down then. When she walks, her left arm hangs. When she runs, she fixes her left arm in front of her and it is still. Her right arm pumps away in double time!

She fixes her arm even more if she is holding something. She really has so little "relationship" (if you will) with her affected arm. We have tried to teach her the arm swing and she will do it if she thinks about it, but then she falls! And yes, lots of gait issues...

Let's hear it for "its only an arm issue"... yeah, right.

claudia

Claudia
I have good balance, even at my age and I credit it all to my Mom's games...
I had to practice the balance beam.
I used the curb on the sidewalk to pretend I was a tightrope walker.
I think riding a bike, roller skate's and all the dance lessons helped with balance.

I was so happy when my knees finally healed up.
I use to have so many scrapes... LOL...
But then again don't most kids scrape their knees a lot.

Kath robpi/adult