Fst 309

 It is a method of strengthening that uses the function of the patient.  If a patient is unable to do a movement or function help and support.  Amount of support?

 Discuss

 Any human activity that are better organised and can be performed more effectively as a result of exercise.  Activities of daily living  It happens through the activation of functional synergists that consists out of components of movement which, when added in the correct sequence forms a controlled motor task.

Functional activity Components of different movements

 Muscles must be trained for a specific action which they must perform during a task.  A muscle can test strong on one length for a specific task and weaker on another length for another task  The relative activity of specific muscles differs in different actions.

 Motor activity is affected by factors such as: - -Muscle length - -Temperature - -Angle that joint are in - -Length of body segments - -Speed of activity - -Other external factors (warm up etc)

 The body’s ability to adapt to gravity and thus also to change in alignment of different body segments is necessary during any motor activity.  Thus, the therapist must monitor the alignment of the body throughout the execution of the activity in order to maintain a balanced alignment while the patient is moving.

 Before the movement can take place, there must be a stable base on which the movement can take place.  The base can be external (ex: pillows, back of chair)  The body is more stable in lower positions. (compare supine to standing)  Through the handling of the patient, the therapist can provide stability at certain parts in order to make movements of other parts possible.

 Good starting position (stable enough, supported, correct alignment, within precaution measures).  Get stability in the position (active muscle contraction, rhythmic stabilisation)  When moving in a position, make sure that you use correct facilitation of movement with adequate support, weight shift, etc.  Use the normal sequence of movement.  Additional techniques can be used (ex: compression)

 The therapist must give sufficient support and facilitate movement, but care must be taken not to give too much support.  Resistance can be added for stronger patients.

 Shephard and Carr. A motor relearning programme. Heinemann