I agree with Mel - for sick patients, why test functional strength?
Surely you can see what function they do or do not have, and work
from there?
Of course, you want to maintain, if possible, the strength that a patient
already has, so for a pretty sick patient this might mean something
very basic, such as breathing exercises, static quads, etc. The
thought of 'testing' sounds unnecessary and overly tiring for an
already sick person, for whom rest would also be important! There can
already be so many different hospital procedures happening
throughout the day, a common reaction from the patient would be
'leave me alone'!
For the word 'testing' should we actually read 'assessment', which can
be done more from observation, and in conjunction with all other staff
( particularly occupational therapists?) involved with the patient?
> On 10/31/99, J. Boone<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> <<I am looking for a few simple functional strength tests for sick patients
> in
> hospitals? I am beginning to prepare an article on this subject and would
> like to get some viewpoints from the group.>>
>
> ***An important point to remember is that strength and endurance tests depend
> a great deal on psychological factors such as motivation, concentration and
> perception of pain and effort. A sick patient is hardly likely to display
> qualities such as these to any significant degree, so one has to question the
> relevance, accuracy and repeatability of strength testing someone who is
> severely debilitated.
>
>
Yours,
Lyn.
Lyn Gregson MCSP
Rehabilitation Facilitator
Health Services Office
UMN
Kathmandu
Nepal
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|