If you take a look at patients in hospitals these days, you’ll notice that the number of bedridden patients is on the rise. Many of the people receiving palliative care at home are also bedridden. There are several reasons for this, such as serious conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, accidents that leave individuals severely injured, or even being in a coma.
Limited Mobility for Bedridden Patients: How to Exercise?
Since bedridden patients can’t move around much, it’s really important for them to do range of motion (ROM) exercises. Even short sessions, if done regularly (like three times a day), can help reduce the risk of contractures or bed sores.
Contractures are painful and add to the difficulty bedridden patients already face, especially older adults who might struggle to even turn over in bed. Bed sores are another issue; these open wounds usually appear on bony areas like the lower back or heels and can lead to infections, starting as red spots and potentially developing into painful ulcers.
Another complication is muscle atrophy, which happens when muscles are unused and therefore weaken and shrink. Regular activities like walking or even simple tasks like lifting a glass of water prevent this, but these are challenging for bedridden individuals.
Exercises for Bedridden Patients
Maintaining some level of movement is crucial for bedridden individuals. Here are some exercises to prevent complications:
**Palm Stretch**
Start with your hands, as they are easy to move.
1. Make a fist and hold for a few seconds.
2. Open your palm and stretch your fingers for five seconds.
3. Touch each finger to your thumb.
4. Repeat with the other hand.
You can do this a few times on each hand. If you need help, ask a caregiver for assistance.
**Simple Lifts**
Muscles weaken quickly without use, so even simple exercises can help.
For arm lifts:
1. Start with your dominant hand. Lift your arm as high as you can. If this is too hard, just lift your elbow to a 90-degree angle.
2. Hold for 10 seconds, or 30 if it’s comfortable.
3. Repeat with the other arm.
For leg lifts:
1. Lie with your legs flat.
2. Lift one leg slightly, keeping it straight, and hold for 10-20 seconds.
3. Lower it back down and repeat with the other leg.
**Side Rolls**
Preventing bed sores involves frequent turning.
How to do side rolls:
1. Start on your back. Turn to your right and stay there for 30 minutes. Ask someone to help adjust your limbs if needed.
2. Turn back onto your back for 20-30 minutes.
3. Turn to your left for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat this throughout the day, but don’t stay on one side for more than two hours. Keep adjusting your limbs to avoid pressure.
**Strengthening Exercises**
Isometric exercises, like thigh-squeezers and butt-tighteners, can help prevent muscle atrophy.
For thigh-squeezers:
1. Lie on your back with your legs together.
2. Place a towel or soft pillow between your knees.
3. Squeeze and hold for 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.
4. Do this exercise five to ten times, morning and evening, without straining yourself.
For butt-tighteners:
1. Lie on your back with your legs slightly apart.
2. Tighten your right buttock muscle and hold for 5 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.
3. Repeat with the left buttock.
4. Do this exercise up to 10 times.
**Use of Special Equipment**
Special equipment, like a vertical treadmill or flywheel devices, can help bedridden patients exercise. These tools, initially developed for astronauts, can sometimes be adapted for home use but typically need careful consideration of the patient’s strength and ability.
Maintaining Mobility for Mind and Body
These exercises do more than just keep the body moving; they help maintain independence and prevent bed sores and muscle decay. It’s essential to match the exercise intensity to the patient’s energy levels, avoiding strenuous activities when tired. Light exercises can be done throughout the day, and stopping before exhaustion sets in is crucial to conserve energy.