C6-supine to long sitting (S4)

AIM:

To demonstrate supine to long sitting via side lying to a person with complete C6 tetraplegia.

Rationale:

The therapist demonstrates the key components of the task to the patient

Equipment:

  • Wide bed

Key Points:

The sub-tasks (in order) are:

  • Rolling onto the side
  • Lifting the upper trunk off the bed
  • Supporting the upper trunk
  • Shuffling the bottom elbow around the body
  • Positioning the top hand under the leg
  • Moving into the upright position

Note: Some patients position the top hand under the leg and then shuffle

Common Errors:

  • Rolling – flexing shoulders excessively or not lifting and turning head
  • Rolling – positioning the bottom shoulder in too much abduction/adduction when rolling over onto it
  • Supporting the upper trunk – falling forwards or backwards when weight is supported through bottom arm
  • Positioning top hand – failing to position extended wrist adequately under top knee. This error will result in the hand slipping out from behind the knee when the patient attempts to move the bottom arm
  • Shuffling the bottom elbow around the body – failing to fully remove weight from bottom supporting arm before attempting to move it. This error will prevent the patient from lifting and moving the bottom arm
  • Moving into the upright position – failing to maintain trunk far enough forward.
  • This error will result in the patient falling backwards
  • Failing to keep the IP joints flexed when weightbearing through the hands in long sitting

Progression and Variety:

  • Not applicable