AT 250 Lecture 10: Functional progression
Functional progression
● Succession of activities that simulate actual motor and sports skills, enables pt to get skills to go back
safely
● Rehab cannot predict effectiveness of injured part to endure stress of full participation
● Stresses and forces applied in well-planned, positive, progressive manner
● Controlled environment → RTP in uncontrolled environment
● Simulate sport!
Psychological and Social Considerations
● Lessens anxiety
○ Gradually place in more challenging situations
○ Success without worrying about failure
○ Helps feel like part of the team again
● Lessens feelings of deprivation
○ Exercises during/at regular team practice
○ Remain in close proximity/socially → less loss of team cohesion
● Apprehension decreases
○ Adapts to imposed demands in controlled environment
○ Restores confidence
○ Sense of control
Components
● Activity
○ Individuality of sport, athlete, condition
○ Activities should be progressive, no increase in signs/symptoms
○ Variety
■ Set achievable goals (re-evaluate and modify)
■ Use clinical, home, and on-field programs
Designing a functional program
● No cookbook
● Limited only by creativity
● Can initiate functional early
○ Step up, monster walks, etc
● Guidelines
○ Evaluate / re-evaluate status
○ Review expectations of athlete / MD
○ Understand sport/position demands
○ Analyze demands (rank-order)
Examples of UE Functional Progressions
● PNF patterns
● Swimming
● Pulleys, tubing, elastic bands
● Mimic actual sport activity
● Interval programs
○ Throwing
○ Golf
○ Tennis
○ Racquetball
Full return guidelines