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Strategies for Progressing Bed-Based Activities in Rehabilitation

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT

October 15, 2024

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Question

What are some strategies to progress bed-based activities for rehabilitation purposes?

Answer

To progress bed-based activities, therapists can implement several strategies:

  1. Increasing Resistance: This can be done by adding weights or resistance bands to exercises performed in bed.
  2. Enhancing Complexity: Breaking down movements into their component parts and progressively combining them to form complete tasks helps improve motor planning and execution.
  3. Adjusting Assistance Levels: Gradually reducing the amount of physical or verbal assistance provided to the patient encourages independence and self-reliance.
  4. Incorporating Functional Goals: Tailoring exercises to mimic daily activities, such as getting out of bed or reaching for objects, makes the exercises more relevant and motivating for patients.

These strategies ensure that bed-based exercises are challenging and effective, promoting continuous improvement in strength, coordination, and functional independence.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "Using the Bed as a Progressive Resistive Exercise Environment," presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT.


andrea salzman

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master’s degree in physical therapy. She has over 30 years of experience with hands-on care and training, specializing in geriatrics, patient motivation, aquatics, and musculoskeletal and balance disorders. She has presented 200 seminars, authored 300 PT articles, served as a PT-related journal editor, and was once featured on the cover of Physical Therapy magazine. Salzman has served as adjunct faculty at the College of St. Catherine’s (now St. Catherine’s University) for 8 years and as the Vice President of 10K Health, LLC, a temporary staffing agency, for a decade. She currently serves as the Director for Aquatic Therapy University and ATU Aquatic Therapy Seminars and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice.

 


Related Courses

Using the Bed as a Progressive Resistive Exercise Environment: An OT and PT Primer
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4946Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'A lot of very good and usable ideas toward functional outcomes in the home environment and good tips for breaking down motions as well as progressions'   Read Reviews
A patient who spends a lot of time in their bed can now be challenged with bed-based exercises and activities that are as challenging as in the gym. PT and OT providers will learn 20+ novel ways to use the bed as a progressive resistive exercise tool.

Re-Imagining PT and OT Assessments as a Targeted Treatment Tools: Adult Applications, Part 1
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Live WebinarWed, Nov 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #5090Level: Advanced2 Hours
This presentation explores innovative ways to transform common assessment tools into structured and progressive treatment programs for physical and occupational therapy providers. Attendees learn how to utilize various standardized tests to design effective and individualized exercise programs, enhancing patient outcomes. The session covers practical applications of these tools, focusing on integrating assessment results into treatment planning and execution.

20 Novel Ideas for Using the Kitchen Table as a Progressive Resistive Exercise Environment: An OT and PT Primer
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
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Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #5000Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'Very dynamic'   Read Reviews
Patients who spend a lot of time in their homes can now be challenged with table-based exercises and activities that are as challenging as those in the gym. PT and OT providers will learn 20+ novel ways to use the kitchen table as a progressive resistive exercise tool.

12 Ways to Progress Any PT or OT Exercise, Activity, or Movement. Part 1
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

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Course: #4781Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Made me rethink how a walker is a hinderance at times and about the cookie cutter exercises that are often given to patients'   Read Reviews
Therapists who routinely add variety to their treatment methods can now offer something new to their patients – an inspired therapist. Come enjoy this “sampler platter” of evidence-based ideas for progressing every exercise, activity, and movement. This is part 1 of a 2-part webinar.

12 Ways to Progress any PT or OT Exercise, Activity, or Movement, Part 2
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4786Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'It was easy to understand and applicable in every setting for PT'   Read Reviews
Therapists who routinely add spice and variety to their treatment methods are able to offer something new to their patients – a delighted therapist. Come enjoy this “sampler platter” of evidence-based ideas for progressing every exercise, activity and movement. This is part 2 of a 2 part webinar.

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