Functional Grasp and Forearm Strength
Occupational Therapy Intervention : Functional forearm strength
Documentation and Activity Rationale
The patient engaged in arm strengthening activity using functional household items with 10 reps focusing on forearm flexion and extension, radial and ulnar deviation. Resistance provides encouraged gross UE strengthening and muscle stretching with the amplified purpose of wrist control and stability against resistance. x2 VC were given for proper form and muscle isolation.
Grading Strategies
Grading Up:
- involve a greater number of heavy functional items (e.g. a gallon of water)
- have the patient complete the task with 4-5 step instructions (e.g. “pick up and move the gallon of water and place on the book, then, pick them both up and move them to…”)
Grading Down:
- begin with lighter items
- use BUE
Appropriate Diagnoses / Deficits
- muscle weakness
- atrophy s/p hand and/or wrist surgery
- TBI
- CVA
