GAIT -TRAINING

•Function of movement where coordinated movement is a skill that can be taught. The more we learn about the fascial system the more we realize that all muscles are interconnected yet many exercises are designed to work on only one muscle group or body part at a time.

Exercise

There are two distinct parts of human skeletal muscle

•The contractile element•visco-‐elastic non-‐contractile component

The Non-‐contractile Component Includes The Fascia Or Connective Tissue, Which Surrounds. Each Layer Of The Contractile Element:

• The endomysium the connective tissue around an individual myofibril (muscle fiber)

•The perimysium the layer of connective tissue around a fascicle

• The epimysium the outermost layer of connective tissue around an entire muscle or collection of fascicles

THE CONTRACTILE ELEMENT OF MUSCLE IS ORGANIZED INTO DIFFERENT LAYERS:

•The myofibril, or individual muscle fiber, comprised of sections of sarcomeres containing the actin and myosin protein filaments responsible for muscle contractions.

•

•The fascicle formed by a bundle of individual muscle fibers.

•An entire section of muscle containing of a number of fascicles.

MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS BY THE CONTRACTILE ELEMENT ARE GENERALLY IDENTIFIED AS:

•Wholly eccentric a lengthening action where the resistive force is overcoming the muscular force

• Wholly concentric a shortening action where the muscular force is overcoming the resistive force

• Completely isometric an action where the muscle fibers are contracting but no joint motion occurs

The non-‐contractile component is comprised primarily of fascia, which is broadly defined as all of the soft, fibrous connective tissue interwoven between all of the cells and organs within the human body (and should be considered an organ in its own right) (Schleip et al., 2012).

Recent research suggests that non-‐contractile connective tissue is the richest sensory organ in the human body, containing up to 10 times as many free nerve endings than the contractile element (Schleip et al., 2012)

•If the system is not properly balanced, then forces such as compression, tension, torsion or shear can change the architecture of cellular structures and the overall function of the body.

•Continued stresses from repetitive movement patterns, movements performed with poor technique, or a lack of multiplanar movement in general affects the body on many different levels and can have a significant impact on the results a client experiences from an exercise program

● If you were mildly affected by stroke, you may still have some degree of weakness in the affected arm and leg, but generally have some ability to control your movements.

● You may also have some obvious stiffness or muscle spasms, particularly with fatigue or stress.

● You may be able to walk without someone’s assistance, but may use a walker, cane or brace.

For many gauging longer distances or uneven terrain, you

may require some minimal assistance from another person, a

more supportive walking aid or a wheelchair

Abnormalities may be present when you walk, but may be corrected by exercise and by fitting shoes with lifts or wedges.

A prescription for these shoe modifications can be obtained from a doctor following evaluation by a physical therapist.

You can usually use the stairs with or without handrails, with a helper close by or with very minimal assistance.

To identify individuals who may be at a higher risk of an adverse event during physical activity.

1. Has your doctor ever told you that you have a heart condition or have

2. Do you ever experience unexplained pains in your chest at rest or during physical activity/exercise?

3. Do you ever feel faint or have spells of dizziness during physical activity/exercise that causes you to lose balance?

• 4. Have you had an asthma attack requiring immediate medical attention at any time over the last 12 months?

• 5. If you have diabetes (type I or type II) have you had trouble controlling your blood glucose in the last 3 months?

• 6. Do you have any diagnosed muscle, bone or joint problems that you have been told could be made worse by participating in physical activity/exercise?

• 7. Do you have any other medical condition(s) that may make it dangerous for you to participate in physical activity/exercise?

•IF THEY ANSWERED ‘YES’ to any of the 7 questions, please seek

guidance

“Screening and Risk Stratification Process.”

An initial interview with a potential client in which basicdemographic information is obtained, along with the client’s health history.Two types of forms areused at a minimum:

The health history form and the PAR-Q form.

When health screening forms are used appropriately, these tools help establish a foundation of trust that facilitates the development of the trainer–client relationship.

Combined with effective communication skills, these tools further improve the possibility of achieving the client’s goals.

Assessments are tests and measurements used with their clients to evaluate their current physical and functional status. Assessments may include:

➤ resting and exercise heart rate;➤ resting and exercise blood pressure;➤ body weight and height;➤ body composition estimates using skinfold calipers, etc.;➤ circumference measurements of limbs, hips, and waist;➤ calculation of body mass index;➤ calculation of waist-to-hip ratio;➤ measurements of flexibility using a sit and reach, etc.;➤ tests for muscular strength/muscular endurance; and➤ tests for cardiorespiratory fitness via walking, biking, stepping, etc.

The following exercises can help you:

•Require less assistance for stair climbing

•Move more steadily when you walk

•Improve balance and endurance

•Strengthen and refine movement patterns

•Improve the coordination and speed of movement necessary for fine motor skills, such as fastening buttons or tying shoelaces.

To correct poor movement patterns, one has to become aware of the pattern they’ve adopted, and retrain their brain

and central nervous system (CNS). Small, precise movements are the most effective way to retrain the CNS, and restore the correct muscle movement

pattern.

Foam rollers are one tool that can be used to accomplish this task. They are hard, cylindrical and unstable, and their use requires complete concentration. Therefore, they are not only used for muscle exercises or treatments, but are brain exercises as well.

To enhance hip and knee control

Start with your knees bent, feet resting on the floor.

b. Slowly slide the heel of your affected leg down so that the leg straightens.

c. Slowly bring the heel of your affected leg along the floor, returning to the starting position. Keep your heel in contact with the floor throughout the exercise.

Note: Your foot will slide more smoothly if you do this exercise without

shoes.

To improve hip control in preparation for walking activities.

Start with your unaffected leg flat on the floor and your affected leg bent

b. Lift your affected foot and cross your affected leg over the other leg.

c. Lift your affected foot and un-cross, resuming the position of step b.

d. Repeat the crossing and uncrossing motion severaltimes.

To strengthen the muscles that stabilize the shoulder

a. Lie on your back with your arms resting at your sides.

b. Keep your elbow straight, lift your affected arm to shoulder level with your hand pointing to the ceiling.

c. Raise your hand toward the ceiling, lifting your shoulder blade from the floor.

d . Hold for three to five seconds, and then relax,allowing your shoulder blade to return to the floor.

e. Slowly repeat the reaching motion several times.

f. Lower your arm to rest by your side.

To strengthen the shoulder muscles as well as those which

straighten the elbow

a. Lying on your back, grasp one end of an elasticized band

* in each hand with enough tension to provide slight resistance to the exercise, but without causing undue strain.

b. To start, place both hands alongside the unaffected hip, keeping your elbows as straight as possible.

c. Move your affected arm upward in a diagonal direction, reaching out to the side, above your head, keeping your elbow straight

To improve control of knee motions for walking

a. Lie on your unaffected side with the bottom knee bent for stability and your affected arm placed in front for support.

b. Starting with your affected leg straight, bend your affected knee, bringing the heel toward your buttocks, then return to the straightened position.

c. Concentrate on bending and straightening your knee while keeping your hip straight.

To improve weight shift and control for proper walking techniques.

Start with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and knees close

together.

b. Lift your hips from the floor and keep them raised in the air.c.

Slowly twist your hips side to side. Return to center and lower

your hips to the floor.

d. Rest. Repeat motion.

Note: This exercise may be difficult for some stroke survivors and

it may worsen back problems. Do not do it if you experience pain.

To improve balance, weight shift and control to prepare for walking activities.

The starting position is on your hands and knees. Weight should be evenly distributed on both arms and both legs.

b . Rock in a diagonal direction back toward your right heel as far as possible, then as far forward toward your left hand as possible.

c. Repeat motion several times, slowly rocking as far as possible in each direction.

d.Return to center

e. Rock in a diagonal direction toward your right hand. Move as far back as possible in each direction slowly.

Note: For safety, an assistant may be nearby to prevent loss of balance. This position may not be appropriate or safe for elderly stroke survivors.

Consult your doctor and/or physical therapist before attempting this exercise.

Cites:

1. .B. Biomechanics of reactions to impending falls. J Biomech.1988;21:591–600.

1. Rubenstein, L.Z., Josephson, K.R. The epidemiology of falls and syncope. Clin geriatr med.2002;18:141–158.

1. Stelmach, G.E., Woringham, C.J. Sensorimotor deficits related to postural stability. Clin Geriatr Med.1985;1:679–694.

1. Tomioka M, Owings TM, Grabiner MD. Biomechanics of recovery from a backwards fall. In: Proceedings of the American

Society of Biomechanics, San Diego, California, August; 2001.

1. Troy, K., Grabiner, M.D. Absence of visual feedback about an obstacle influences lower extremity trajectories during the

recovery stepping response. Experimental Brain Research. 2005;161:343–350.

1. van der Burg Pijnappels, M., van Dieën, J.H. Out-of-plane trunk movements and trunk muscle activity after a trip during

walking. Exp Brain Res. 2005;165:407–412.

1. Wolfson, L.I., Whipple, R., Amerman, P., Kaplan, J., Kleinberg, A. Gait and balance in the elderly. Two functional capacities

that link sensory and motor abilities to falls. Clin Geriatr Med. 1985;1:649–659.