UNIT 1

Learning objectives:
1. To understand the basic definition of exercise
therapy/therapeutic exercise.
2. To understand the basic principles and goals of
exercise therapy.
3. To understand the basic techniques and classification
of exercise.
DEFINITIONS:

EXERCISE THERAPY is a means of accelerating the patient’s recovery from injuries and
diseases which have altered the normal way of living.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE is a means of careful application of stresses and forces to the

body systems in a controlled, progressive and appropriately planned manner to ultimately
improve the overall function of the individual to meet the demands of daily living.
The AIMS of exercise therapy

1. To promote activity and minimize the effects of inactivity.

2. To increase the normal range of motion.

3. To strength the weak muscles.

4. To improve the performance in daily activities.

The GOALS of therapeutic exercise include

A. Prevention of dysfunction
B. Development, improvement, restoration or maintenance
of
1. Strength
2. Power
3. Endurance
4. Flexibility
5. Stability
6. Mobility
7. Co-ordination
8. Posture.
9. Balance
10. Gait and
11. Functional skills.
Definition of SMART goals:

1. S-Specific
2. M-Measurable
3. A-Achievable
4. R-Realistic/Relevant
5. T-Timed

STG should work towards the LTG

Short term goals are the smaller steps that will help you achieve your long term
goals.
Movement used in treatment may be classified as follows.

I. Active movements
1. Voluntary:
(i) assisted
(ii) Free
(iii) Assisted-Resisted
(iv) Resisted
2. Involuntary reflex

II. Passive movements

a. Relaxed Passive Movements and accessory movements

b. Passive Manual Mobilization Techniques
(i) Mobilizations of joints
(ii) Manipulations of joints performed by
(iii) Controlled sustained stretching of tightened structures
Relaxed Passive Movements
These are movements performed accurately and smoothly by the
Physiotherapist. The movements are performed in the same range and
direction as active movements. The joint is moved through the existing
free range and within the limits of pain.
Accessory movements
These occur as part of any normal joint movement but may be limited or.
Absent in abnormal joint conditions. They consist of gliding or rotational
movements which cannot be performed in isolation as a voluntary
movement but can be isolated by the physiotherapist.
Mobilizations of joints
These are usually small repetitive rhythmical oscillatory, localized
accessory, or functional movements performed by the physiotherapist
in various amplitudes within the available range, and under the
patient’s control. These can be done very gently or quite strongly, and
are graded according to the part of the available range in which they
are performed.
Manipulation of joints:
These are accurately localized, single, quick decisive movements of small
amplitude and high velocity completed before the patient can stop it.
Controlled sustained stretching of tightened structures
Passive stretching of muscles and other soft tissues can be given to
increase range of movement. Movement can be gained by stretching
adhesions in these structures or by lengthening of muscle due to
inhibition of the tendon protective reflex.
FREE EXERCISES are those which are performed by the patient’s own
muscular efforts without the assistance or resistance of any external force,
other that of gravity.

ASSISTED EXERCISES
When the force exerted on one of the body levers by muscular action is
insufficient for the production or control of movement, an external force may
be added to augment it. As the power of muscle increases, the assistance
given must decrease.
ASSISTED-RESISTED EXERCISE
This type of exercise constitutes a combination of assistance and resistance
during a single movement.

RESISTED EXERCISE
The external force may be applied to the body levers to oppose the force of
muscular contraction and there will be increase in muscle power and
hypertrophy.
REFERENCES:

1.Kissner, C., and Colby, L.A. (2000). Therapeutic Exercise Foundations

and techniques. Info Acce
2.ss and Distributions Pte. Ltd.
3.Gardiner, D. (2001). The principles of Exercise Therapy. G. Bells and
Sons Ltd.