This week, we take a look at one particular task that we have been using to help a client translate what they have been learning in their exercise program into the performance of one of their key ADL tasks.
We’re focusing on the sweeping task here which is an especially difficult task for someone with a thoracic spine fusion due to the rotation involved in the activity and the fact that the majority of the trunk’s rotational ability arises from the thoracic spine.
Now we are using an exercise band here and performing a horizontal abduction movement with the right shoulder, which uses the chest muscles as the prime mover. The aim is to:
– build strength in the upper body
– activate and turn on the core muscles
– provide stability for the spine
You can see the task that this exercise translates specifically to in the video.
As the client’s mobility improves, the aim will be to perform this while walking and moving dynamically throughout the house. But at the moment, the aim is on:
– strengthening the specific muscles which are needed for the movement
– building the client’s confidence with the basic movement pattern.
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Until next time.