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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
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Presenter

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Course: #4946Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'The exercises and progressions were explained in detail'   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.

Reducing Rehospitalization in Congestive Heart Failure Patients: PT and OT Applications
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This presentation examines strategies used by occupational and physical therapists to decrease readmission rates in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The session covers evidence-based interventions, survey findings from practicing therapists, and the collaborative roles of OT and PT in managing CHF. Attendees gain insights into effective practices, patient education techniques, and multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes and reduce rehospitalization.

Re-Imagining PT and OT Assessments as a Targeted Treatment Tools: Adult Applications, Part 1
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Re-Imagining PT and OT Assessments as a Targeted Treatment Tools: Adult Applications: Part 2
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Live WebinarFri, Dec 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm EST
Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm EST

Presenter

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Course: #5115Level: Advanced2 Hours
This is Part 2 of a two-part series for therapists who work with adults. This presentation will explore innovative ways to transform common assessment tools into structured and progressive treatment programs for physical and occupational therapy providers. Attendees will learn how to utilize various standardized tests to design effective and individualized exercise programs, enhancing patient outcomes. The session will cover 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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Course: #5000Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'examples of variety in performing dynamic, fine motor skill and thought process'   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.

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