Dexterity-moving to sidelying (U5)

AIM:

To train moving from supine to sidelying, in preparation for supine to sitting

Rationale:

Two important components of sitting up are:

1. Moving across the bed

2. Rolling onto the intact side

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:

1. Moving across the bed

  • Patient is positioned in supine
  • Patient flexes knees to 90 degrees, pushes down through both heels, lifts bottom off the plinth slightly and moves it to the side
  • Therapist is positioned to the side of the patient and provides manual guidance at the affected hip, knee and/or foot if necessary
  • Patient and/or therapist move shoulders to re-align trunk and pelvis

2. Rolling onto the intact side

  • Patient is positioned in supine with their intact side close to the side of the bed
  • Patient flexes affected hip and knee and pushes through affected heel to roll onto the intact side (patient may also flex intact hip and knee prior to rolling)
  • Therapist is positioned on the intact side of the patient and provides manual guidance as necessary
  • Ensure the patient moves affected arm across the chest prior to rolling (or therapist provides manual guidance as necessary)
  • Ensure patient turns head

Common Errors:

  • Therapist fails to position affected arm appropriately prior to rolling
  • Patient is positioned too close to the side of the bed resulting in unsafe rolling

Progression and Variety:

  • Decrease/remove manual guidance
  • Add bed clothes
  • Use regular bed