Functional Ambulation and Work Conitioning
Occupational Therapy Intervention : Functional Ambulation
Documentation and Activity Rationale
The patient engaged in a heavy-work obstacle course requiring engagement for 10 consecutive minutes fulfilling 10 repetitions with close supervision for safety and confidence. Obstacle course used to address several deficits including: Functional ambulation addressed with 1 step placed throughout course with variable rise and 4/4 hurdles to promote agility, balance, and ambulation efficiency. Lower body strengthening and balance training invoked by way of patient participation in stepping up to and balancing on an aeorbic stepper x2 while carrying variably weighted bags and objects from 2lbs to 5lbs equiring patient to elicit trunk/core muscles throughout the course.
Grading Strategies
Grading Up:
- ankle weights BLE
- Increase weights or objects required for carrying
- measurable pace/speed
- Increased obstacles
Grading Down:
- Decrease speed
- Decrease or eliminate weight on bats
- Do not incorporate any stepping, use static standing and grade to dynamic standing
- Unilateral involvement instead of bilateral engagement
Appropriate Diagnoses / Deficits
- Generalized Weakness
- SCI
- CVA
- TBI
- Balance deficits
