Using Functional Tasks to Improve Standing
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Consider the following to facilitate and improve your patient's ability to stand safely during functional tasks:

1. Provide a safe environment. Choose a task with a solid, stable surface in front of the patient. Position their wheelchair behind them and yourself on their weak side. Avoid standing in open spaces (middle of the gym) or near unstable surfaces (the bedside table).

   

   If your patient has poor lower extremity control provide surface contact in front of their knees (such as the kitchen cabinets or the car).

   

2. Consider the height of the surface. Your patient's height and their key problem areas help determine the task and the location. For patients needing forward flexion, stand at a table (approx. 30"/76 cm high). For patients needing trunk extension, stand at the kitchen counter (approx 36"/92 cm high).

   

3. Offer a variety of heights to work from. As your patient progresses choose activities that encourage greater postural control.

   

   Don't forget to watch for signs of fatigue. Offer your patients a chance to sit down before they become too tired.
   

For helpful hints on facilitating 'sit to stand', 'if the knee buckles', 'standing the low level patient' and more, order Teaching Independence: A Therapeutic Approach.

For more treatment ideas using function in standing order Functional Treatment Ideas & Strategies in Adult Hemiplegia.

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I've received some wonderful feedback from the faculty of colleges and universities using both video series.

During the past several months I have spoken with students and faculty of PT, OT, PTA and OTA programs. All have noticed improvement in their treatment and clinical reasoning skills. Students now feel more confident entering their clinical fieldwork sites.

Thanks for your feedback!

Item 1
Students enrolled in college and university programs can now own their own University Edition of each Stroke Education Video Series for the price of a textbook ($65).

The multi-media format is perfect for students to practice their skills outside classroom time and is great for schools that offer alternative education and distance learning programs.

Plus our Faculty Guide for the University Edition is perfect for the faculty. It provides tips for teaching practice labs and provides answers to the multiple choice test and workbook assignments.

Contact our office if you are interested in adding the University Edition to your curriculum.

If you are a student or faculty at the college or university level and have used either video series, please send me your feedback or suggestions. I'd love to hear from you..

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