AIM:
To train sitting up over the side of the bed from sidelying, in preparation for supine to sitting
Rationale:
Two important components of sitting up are:
- head lateral flexion
- sitting up from sidelying.
Task-related training is set up so the patient can practice with manual guidance from the therapist if necessary.
Equipment:
- Adjustable height plinth
- Pillow
Key Points:
- Patient is lying on the intact side close to the side of the bed
1. Head lateral flexion
- Patient lifts head sideways from the pillow by lateral flexion of the cervical spine
2. Sitting up from sidelying (intact side lowermost)
- Therapist assist patient to flex hips and knees and move the legs off the side of the bed
- Therapist places one hand under the intact shoulder and the other hand on the affected pelvis and provides manual guidance to assist patient into sitting
Common Errors:
- Patient initial position is side lying with the affected side lowermost (risking damage to the affected shoulder)
- Therapist fails to adjust initial bed height to ensure safety of patient and therapist during manual guidance
- Therapist fails to remain close enough to steady the patient in sitting, if required
Therapist fails to adjust final bed height to allow patient to load the legs in sittingProgression and Variety:
- Decrease/remove manual guidance
- Add bed clothes
- Use regular bed