Skip to Main Content

Chapter 9: Functional Mat Skills

Martha F. Somers

image

Chapter 9 presents functional mat skills and therapeutic strategies for increasing independence in these activities.

INTRODUCTION

Functional mat skills include rolling, coming to sitting, gross mobility on a mat or bed (moving around on a mat or bed), maintenance of an unsupported sitting posture,a and leg management. These skills are required for independent mobility; before someone can get out of bed in the morning, they must first be able to sit up and move to the edge of the bed. These skills are also required for independent dressing.

This chapter presents a variety of functional mat techniquesb as well as suggestions on how to teach them. The descriptions of techniques and training should be used as a guide, not as a set of hard and fast rules. The exact motions used to perform any activity vary among people because of differences in body build, skill level, range of motion, muscle tone, patterns of strength and weakness, and presence or absence of additional impairments. During functional training, the therapist and patient should work together to find the techniques that best suit the individual.

aUnsupported sitting balance is addressed in Chapter 10.

bThis chapter does not attempt to present all possible functional mat techniques. An individual who is unable to master a skill described in the chapter may fare better with a variation of that technique or with an altogether different method.

PRECAUTIONS

Following spinal cord injuries, the activities involved in functional mat training can cause problems if appropriate precautions are not taken. Mat activities can result in excessive motion in unstable segments of the spine, skin damage, and overstretching of the low back and long finger flexors. Over time, activities that subject the joints of the upper extremities to damaging forces may also cause overuse injuries. Table 9-1 presents a summary of precautions for functional mat training.

TABLE 9-1Precautions During Functional Mat Training
View Table||Download (.pdf)
TABLE 9-1 Precautions During Functional Mat Training
Potential Problems Mat Activities That Place Patients at Risk Precautions
Excessive motion at site of vertebral instability, potentially causing additional neurological and orthopedic damage Any activity involving excessive motion or muscular action at or near the site of spinal instability. Examples: prone-on-elbows activities while the cervical spine remains unstable, long sitting while the lumbar spine remains unstable.

  • Strictly adhere to orthopedic precautions.

  • Check fit of vertebral orthoses with patients in the different postures involved in mat training.

  • When the spine is unstable, avoid activities that may cause motion or strong muscular contraction at the site of instability.
Skin abrasions and pressure injuries

Any activities creating shearing forces on skin. Examples: dynamic activities while bearing weight on the elbows, practice moving the buttocks on a mat.

Any activities causing prolonged pressure ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close