Like most seven-year-olds, Natalie Brosh maintains a jam-packed schedule. Besides school, Natalie competes on a swim team and takes piano lessons. When she has spare time, she loves jumping rope with her girlfriends. This past November, she started taking a tai chi class once a week. Natalie is living proof that having osteogenesis imperfecta does not have to prevent a child from living an active life—or even from being an athlete. "Natalie takes part in almost everything," says her mother, Kathy. "They modify her gym class requirements at school so she doesn’t have to participate in any contact sports, but that’s about it."
Natalie’s body developed differently almost from birth. Her limbs were too flexible, and her head seemed a little large for the rest of her body. She refused to put any weight on her legs. At 6 ½ months, Natalie broke her humerus, the bone between her elbow and shoulder. Shortly thereafter, doctors diagnosed her with osteogenesis imperfecta. Since then, she’s broken approximately 15 large bones and countless ribs. She had bilateral foot surgery last summer to stabilize the ligaments in her ankles, and she currently wears a back brace to treat her scoliosis.
Natalie’s physical therapist thought tai chi would be a great way for her to improve her balance after her foot surgery. "She thought tai chi would really enhance Natalie’s perception of where her body was in space," says Mrs. Brosh.
Most of Natalie’s classmates are adults, and the instructor had never before taught someone so young. He emphasizes channeling the body’s energy to build strength. Natalie jumped right into the program and is excited to head to class each week. "I like to do tai chi. It’s like karate or judo except that it is slower and more graceful. It helps me because when I go into a stance it makes my feet get used to going straighter. It makes my legs stronger and helps my back because I roll my shoulders to let all the tension out and stretch my neck up to make my back get straighter."
In addition to being fun and relaxing, Natalie’s new hobby should help her build strength, says Dr. Shapiro. "I supported her involvement in tai chi from the beginning because, with all the stretching activity involved, it would help her improve joint function and build bone mass."
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Referral Information: For more information or to make an appointment at the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute, call toll free at 1-888-554-2080 or locally at 410-923-9400.