3. Some patients with chronic diseases become so debilitated
that they are unable to meet the physical demands of the
various activities of daily living they are required to perform
for an independence.
Physical therapist play a key role in identifying this problem.
Therapist are often involved in teaching energy conservation/
work simplification techniques
4. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
Plan each day to include only what you can realistically
accomplish.
Allow a 30 – 60 minute rest period after each meal and after
any particular strenuous activity.
EG: your exercise programme, showering/ bathing
5. Do several different kinds of activity each day.
Include personal time for hobbies, going out side, reading or
other relaxing pursuits as well as exercise time for daily tasks.
6. PACE YOURSELF
Allow ample time to complete each task.
Take your time with tasks and rest before you become really
tired.
Alter your pace depending on the task, temperature and
time if day.
Work to music with slower beat.
7. SIT WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Facing the task, sit in a chair or stool large enough to
support your weight evenly, support your back and allow
placement of your feet flat on the floor.
Upper extremities should be supported.
8. ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY TASKS
Plan ahead and assemble all supplies for a task to minimize
extra trips.
Use paper plates and cups when you want to save time and
energy.
9. AVOID STRENOUS ARM ACTIVITES
Avoid straining or vigorous activities using arm motions;
Vacuuming, scrubbing, strenuous clapping after
performance.
10. KEEP COOL
Do more physically stressful activities during the cooler part
of the day or evening.
Do your exercise programme in a comfortable environment
( EG: an air conditioned room)
11. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Avoid stimulus EG: caffeine. Nicotine
Watch the sodium content in foods
12. INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL
GRADULLY
Start easy, with low-level activities at first.
Taking frequent rest breaks as needed.
Include one or two new activities per day.
Gradually increase the duration of your activity periods and
shorten your rest periods.
13. AVOID LIFTING
Avoid lifting chairs
Transport items on a wheeled cart if possible
14. ORGANIZE YOUR WORK AREAS
Keep items that are used most often within easy reach.
Store items where they are used most.
15. AVOID ISOMERIC CONTRACTIONS
Avoid pushing, pulling or lifting heavy weight
Avoid breath during dressing or other activities requiring
concentration.
16. USE ASSISTED DEVISES
Use long handled dressing aids.
Used long- handled tools to avoid bending and reaching
E.G: reached, long handled dust – pan, long handeled sponge
17. ADJUST WORK HEIGHTS
The best work height for a table top is about two inches
blow your bent elbow
18. DURING STAIR CLIMBING
Pace ascending and descending of stairs with your breathing
pattern.