Active assisted exercise

Question 1

What is the rationale behind active assisted exercise?

Answer 1

Exercises performed by patient with assistance from outside force
Used if patient not strong enough to perform full ROM - enforced rest, pain, weakness, fear avoidance

Question 2

What are the physiological effects of active assisted exercise?

Answer 2

maintain ROM &joint integrity,
decrease pain
increase circulation proprioception
Increase muscle activity
Neuroplastic change

Question 3

What structures does active assisted exercise affect?

Answer 3

Synovial joints, muscle, ligaments

Question 4

How would you treat someone using active assisted exercise?

Answer 4

1) Introduce
2) Explain procedure & benefits for informed consent
3) Check area visually and ask about contraindications
4) choose appropriate of active assisted -
Auto (patient assists themselves), Manual (another person assists) or mechanical (piece of equipment assists)
5) Chose an appropriate movement for patient, demonstrate, get them to replicate it & coach them on tecnique
6) get feedback from patient - is it working for them?

Question 5

Contraindications / precautions

Answer 5

Early unstable fracture
Intolerable pain
Immediately post injury
Incomplete muscle or ligament tear
Compromised circulation
Subluexed shoulder

Are you feeling well in yourself?
Do you have any recent injuries?
Do you have any circulation issues?
Any fractures?

Question 6

How would you document this treatment?

Answer 6

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Area being targeted
Type of assistance (auto, mechanical or manual)
Description of exercise used
Patient response
Adverse affects?
Sign