Functional strengthening

FUNCTIONAL STRENGTHENINGFst 309

DEFINITION

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?

ADVANTAGES OF FUNCTIONAL STRENGTHENING

Discuss

MOTOR SKILLS

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.

BEFORE YOU START........................

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)

...CONTINUED...

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.

REFERENCE

Shephard and Carr. A motor relearning programme. Heinemann. 1978.