One of America's top magicians demonstrated how learning magic tricks can improve the motor skills of children with upper limb disorders at the University of Ulster this week.
Kevin Spencer, who trained with David Copperfield, hosted a workshop on the healing power of magic at the University’s Centre for Rehabilitation Research at the Jordanstown campus yesterday.
Children with challenging conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and adults with limiting hand function participated in the one-day event.
Guests also included occupational therapists, psychologists, academics, researchers, students and magicians.
Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong, from the University of Ulster, said: “Using magic as a therapy is cutting edge, it allows for mastery of physical, psychosocial and cognitive skills in a fun, light-hearted way. The most important aspect of this therapy is the ability of the client to transfer the skills learned by performing magic into activities of daily living motivating their rehabilitation progress and improving their self-concept. It has been successfully used with clients with spinal cord injury, stroke, ASD, hand injuries, dementia and mental health problems.
“Occupational therapy uses a variety of methods and functional activities to help clients achieve competency in everyday/ daily tasks. One of the biggest challenges therapists face is keeping the client motivated and engaged in the process. Learning magic tricks, on the other hand, is fun and exciting and offers a unique medium to explore the potential rehabilitation of clients with many conditions.
“This training event will highlight the effectiveness of magic as a therapy tool and will give clinicians an opportunity to witness the potential of magic as a therapy tool.
“We are delighted that Kevin has agreed to come along and share his expertise, it is an inspirational workshop and I’m sure people attending this event will want to pursue further research in this radical and growing area of therapy.”
The long-term effects of using magic tricks to improve the motor skills of children with upper limb motor disorders such as hemiplegia and paralysis were assessed in an international research project at Guy's Hospital and Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
The project was the first of its kind and reflects the Charity's commitment to investing in innovative health interventions and evaluating the impact on clinical outcomes.
A pilot project in 2009 saw Magic Circle magicians working alongside occupational therapists from the Evelina Children's Hospital at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust to develop a series of simple magic tricks that replicate the movements taught in conventional therapy sessions, helping to make them more enjoyable and encouraging children to keep up the practice at home.
Since then, 10-day magic camps have taken place at Guy's Hospital and in Tel Aviv during 2010 and one in Tel Aviv in 2011. Participants are assessed two to four weeks before the camp starts, then again at the camp's start and end to measure their progress, and at three and six-month intervals to assess the programme's impact.
Dr Porter-Armstrong said: “Results from this study show a significant increase in the number of activities performed independently and number of activities performed successfully with two hands following participation in the camp. No significant loss of skills was noted at the three-month review, suggesting that using magic as a motivator may enhance therapeutic outcomes in children with spastic hemiplegia.”
The therapeutic use of magic has been applied in rehabilitation settings since 1982. With its influence and the recognition gained for its “powerful” use of magic therapy, the contemporary well-known magician and his partner, Kevin Spencer and his wife Cindy Spencer have dedicated themselves to develop a programme called ‘Healing of Magic’. Benefits of participation in the programme included improving motor and cognitive functioning, psychosocial and motivation to engage in rehabilitation processes.
Kevin Spencer is regarded as the international leading authority on magic therapy. He has spoken at various international conferences and has participated in magic therapy research projects around the world.
He has an Assistant Professorship of Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama. He received the coveted International Magician of the Year in 2009 Award, and he has also been the recipient of the Harry Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity.
The Healing by Magic programme is a concept that has been approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. It is currently being used in hundreds of rehabilitation centres and hospitals in over 30 countries around the world. The programme can be used with clients of all ages with various physical, psychosocial and developmental delays.
Ends
Caption: Patrick Irvine, who has cerebral palsy, and his mum Geraldine, both from Belfast, learn a few new tricks from top magician Kevin Spencer.