For bedridden patients, lack of movement can lead to a range of issues such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, pressure ulcers, and respiratory complications. One crucial aspect of care for bedridden patients is bed mobility training, a targeted physical therapy that focuses on techniques and exercises to help improve patients' ability to move and reposition themselves in bed.
What are the primary goals of bed mobility training?
Bed mobility training helps bedridden patients in terms of :
To reduce the risk of complications like pressure ulcers, joint contractures, and muscle atrophy by promoting regular movement
To help preserve muscle strength, preventing the loss of function and improving overall endurance
To promote independence
To improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots
To enhance comfort and improve overall quality of life despite bedridden
In short, regular bed mobility exercises empower patients by enabling them to perform basic activities independently. Simple tasks such as turning in bed, sitting up, or changing positions become more manageable, fostering a greater sense of autonomy for bedridden patients and improved mental well-being.
Bed mobility: Exercises & Techniques by Physiotherapist
Here are some bed mobility exercises and techniques that can be beneficial for stroke patients:
1. Rolling Side to Side
Begin with the patient lying on their back.
Encourage them to turn their head toward the direction they want to roll.
Assist the patient in bending their knees and, with support, gently guide them to roll onto their side.
The legs & trunk move together.
Repeat on both sides to promote balance and prevent pressure sores.
2. Bridging
Instruct the patient to bend their knees while lying on their back.
Encourage them to push through their feet and lift their hips off the bed, creating a bridge shape.
Hold this position briefly before lowering the hips back down.
This exercise helps strengthen the hip and lower back muscles.
3. Bed Transfers
Help the patient practice moving from the bed to a chair or wheelchair.
To transfer patient from bed to wheelchair, make sure patient helps use the strong un-affected side to stand up
Pivot rotation during transferring should be perform step by step, not at wide range of motion
Use proper body mechanics and assistive devices as needed such as transfer belt to ensure safety during transfers.
4. Arm and Leg Range of Motion Exercises: bed simple exercises
Gentle range of motion exercises for the arms and legs can help maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures.
Encourage the patient to move each limb through its full range of motion while lying on bed.
The exercise can be performed segment by segment for every joint or as an integrated functional movement based on the physiotherapist's assessment result.
5. Bed Mobility Aids:
Utilize bed mobility aids such as turning cushions, bed rails, or trapeze bars to provide support and assistance during bed mobility exercises.
Transfer board highly advised the to patient independently strong upper limbs & done amputation of fully paralyzed lower limbs.
6. Pillow and Positioning: ARM SLING & PILLOW
Properly position pillows to support the patient's affected side and prevent contractures.
Pillows can be used to prop up the patient's arm or leg as intervention to reduce swelling.
Pillow also can be used as support to hold the body in certain position after repositioning on bed for fully bedridden patient.
7. Safe body movement:
Always prioritize safety during bed mobility exercises. Use proper body mechanics, assistive devices, and support as needed to prevent falls or injury.
Make sure the patient in pain pain-free during movement or at least the lowest bearable pain level during positioning.
8. Gradual Progression: SQUAT WALKER, SQUAT INDIE
Begin with gentle exercises and progress as the patient gains strength and confidence.
Tailor the exercises to the individual's abilities and limitations.
The exercise regime must follow all lists of contraindicated or precautions for specific cases like post-operation for fracture or after-done open heart surgery procedure.
Content provided by: Physiotherapist En Azrul Naim Video/Edited by: Pharmacist Goh Khang Phing
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