AIM:
To improve self-initiated stepping and stopping.
Rationale:
Akinesia, hypokinesia and poor balance in standing and walking increases the risk of falls. Practice is set up to improve the ability to take one or more steps (forwards/backwards) and to stop quickly and safely.
Equipment:
- Strip of cardboard (5 cm by 55cm) marker
Key Points:
- Ensure therapist stands close by to steady patient if necessary
- Ensure patient does not take steps which are too big initially as this may result in loss of balance
- Ensure patient does not bring the feet too close together when stepping sideways as this may result in loss of balance
Common Errors:
- Therapist does not stand close enough to steady the patient, or stands too close and interferes with the patient’s steps
Progression and Variety:
- Stepping sideways/diagonally, stop and balance
- Stepping and stopping at a target
- Stepping and stopping without prior warning