Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
When considering physical fitness, the focus often gravitates towards weightlifting and improving aerobic capacity, overlooking the fact that all bodily movements are orchestrated by the mind. The mind serves as the central hub for bodily functions. As a neuro physiotherapist, I incorporate modified brain exercises into rehabilitation routines to garner additional benefits. Numerous studies corroborate the efficacy of brain exercises in enhancing memory and cognitive functions (Willis et al., 2006). It's a symbiotic relationship where physical activity positively impacts the brain, and a combination of mindfulness breathing exercises, physical exercises and cognitive drills enhances reaction times, memory, and overall well-being. The realm of physical rehabilitation has evolved to encompass not just physical fitness but also mental health. Understanding the benefits of this integrated approach informed my practice when delivering the warmup session during the Golf Clubs and Health Hubs research study.
Cognitive rehabilitation isn't solely reserved for individuals with cognitive impairments; rather, it's aimed at enhancing and improving brain functions. This perspective represents a fresh approach to neurorehabilitation embraced by healthcare professionals across various fields (Sohlberg & Mateer, 2001).
Let us try and understand the simple activity design in the below image.
Hula Hoop Pass
Activity: Participants are required to hold coloured hula hoops above their heads passing these to the person seated behind them.
Task demands and Grading: Altering the direction of transfer and the speed of the activity promotes engagement and adds an element of fun.
Skills: This activity targets overhead movements, opens the upper chest, enhances upper limb mobility, and encourages upward eye gaze, thereby improving visual perception and sitting balance.
Hopscotch
Activity: Coloured hoops are arranged on the floor, rather than walking straight through, participants are required to alternate between placing both feet in one hoop and one foot in the next two hoops – a bit like playing hopscotch
Task demands and grading: Changing the hoop pattern/ arrangement can increase or decrease the complexity. Instructing the participant to stand in certain colours adds a cognitive element to the task.
Skills: Reacting quickly to the therapist's commands enhances reaction time, focus, working memory and decision-making capacity. This activity primarily targets standing balance, walking, balance, obstacle navigation, coordination, visual depth perception, and overall strength and mobility.
Coloured Cones Diagonal Touch
Activity: The floor is adorned with cones of various colours, as depicted in the image above. The participant is instructed to stand upright at the central spot between the cones. They will then await verbal instructions from the therapist, who will call out colours randomly corresponding to the cones positioned on the floor.
Task demands and grading: The therapist will alter the sequence of colour sequences in verbal cues and also vary the speed of the instructions given. The participant is required to tap on the coloured cones positioned whenever a colour is called out. Cones situated to the right of the participant will be tapped with the right foot, while cones on the left side will be tapped with the left foot.
Skills: This activity helps in improving focus, concentration, working memory, sequential memory. This helps improve standing and static balance and improves eye- foot coordination. Helps in lower limb coordination and lower limb muscle strengthening of muscles.
References:
Sohlberg, M. M., & Mateer, C. A. (2001). Cognitive rehabilitation: An integrative neuropsychological approach. Guilford Press.
Willis, S. L., Tennstedt, S. L., Marsiske, M., Ball, K., Elias, J., Koepke, K. M., Morris, J. N., Rebok, G. W., Unverzagt, F. W., Stoddard, A. M., Wright, E., & ACTIVE Study Group, for the. (2006). Long-term effects of cognitive training on everyday functional outcomes in older adults. JAMA, 296(23), 2805. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.296.23.2805
Jobe JB, Smith DM, Ball K, et al. ACTIVE: a cognitive intervention trial to promote independence in older adults. Control Clin Trials. 2001;22:453–479.