Question

How would you modify a stretching routine for the lower extremity if you were dealing with a pediatric patient?

What about for a geriatric patient?

Answer 1

Range of motion exercises help to keep your child's joints and muscles from tightening up. An exercise program is planned for the individual needs of each child. While doing the exercises, your child should lie on his back on a firm surface. These are passive exercise.

1.place one hand on the side of the child’s knee and the other underneath the heel. Raise the child's leg, allowing the hip and knee to bend. Gently push the leg toward the chest. (Other leg should stay flat against the bed.) Repeat with the other leg.

2.Place one hand above the child’s knee and the other underneath the ankle. Keeping the knee straight, slowly raise the leg. (Other leg should stay flat against the bed.) Repeat with other leg.

3. Keep the leg flat on the bed and hold the child’s leg above the knee and at the ankle. Roll the leg in and out. Repeat with the other leg.

4.Place one hand under the knee and other hand under the ankle. Bring the leg out to the side and back toward the middle without allowing the knee to roll in or out. (Other leg should remain flat against the bed.) Repeat with the other leg.

Active exercises by the child.

1.Stand with your feet away from the wall and your hands placed on the wall at shoulder height. Move your right foot forward and bend your knee. Keep your left leg straight and the foot flat on the floor. Lean your body toward the wall until you feel a "pull" in the back of your left leg. Return to the starting position. Then repeat, putting your left leg forward.

2.Lie on your stomach. Place a small pad under your knees. Bend your right knee bringing the heel toward your buttocks then lower your leg. Then bend your left leg and lower it.

3.Keep your leg still and rotate your foot in a circular motion. Make circles in one direction, then the other direction. Repeat with your other foot.

Children can be encouraged to do this by either giving them rewards, in the form of plays.

For elderly.

Exercise 1: Single Limb Stance

stand behind a steady, solid chair (not one with wheels), and hold on to the back of it. Lift up your right foot and balance on your left foot. Hold that position for as long as you can, then switch feet.

Exercise 2: Walking Heel to Toe

Put your right foot in front of your left foot so that the heel of your right foot touches the top of the toes of your left foot. Move your left foot in front of your right, putting your weight on your heel. Then, shift your weight to your toes. Repeat the step with your left foot. Walk this way for 20 steps.

Exercise 3.Back Leg Raise

Stand behind a chair. Slowly lift your right leg straight back – don’t bend your knees or point your toes. Hold that position for one second, then gently bring your leg back down. Repeat this ten to 15 times per leg..

Exercise 4: Side Leg

Stand behind the chair with your feet slightly apart. Slowly lift your right leg to the side. Keep your back straight, your toe facing forward, and stare straight ahead. Lower your right leg slowly. Repeat this exercise ten to 15 times per leg.