Hi all,
Some of you that have already completed my neuro placement will know about the running group clinic on Thursday afternoons, but I just thought I would share the experience with the rest of the crew.
The running group was the brainchild of our supervisor and is run by the students. The group consists of 4/5 stroke patients of a younger age (25-50) that have recovered sufficiently to allow them to begin to run again. The clinic is run in the gym. The clinic provides a way of facilitating a return to sport or allows a client to achieve a goal that is not possible in the neuro outpatient setting. Each client is given a targeted set of exercises which consists of stretching, LL strength work, bounding and running drills, facilitated running, and eventually a timed run. Focus is on quality and style of running, not only time. It also provides a way of improving the client's cardio respiratory fitness.
I have enjoyed being part of the group and I think it is really beneficial in helping a client to achieve their goals. There is always great atmosphere amongst the group and the support and camaraderie of the fellow participants makes the participants achieve results that I am continually amazed with. I think sometimes in neuro we think that once a person can transfer, walk and reach, then this is the end of the rehabilitation process, when in fact (especially for the younger poulation) there are many more activities that these people would like to be involved with again. The guy I was looking after last session was once a high level soccer player in his former country and would like to become a soccer coach.
It would be interesting to know whether any of the crew has had similar experiences with group activity/special interest classes that we as Physios could possible implement into our workplace once we graduate.
Cheers
Nico
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Hey Nic,
I have not actually seen what goes on in the running class. However I have heard good things about it. I was told it was a progression into higher level balance activities as well as running. I ended up referring one of my inpatient clients as it sounded perfect for him as he was young and wanting to return to his police officer position. I think it’s a great idea. He was very excited because he was really enjoying our sessions and improving but was worried about what he could do once he was discharged. There are so many people that have goals that go far beyond walking and stairs. The group atmosphere would also provide wonderful motivation. I think more hospitals should start to join in and start these higher skill classes. I ended up having some trouble with referring my patient to the class because it is so unique and the class was in high demand plus the criterion is very strict for entry. With more options for clients, more clients will have the opportunity to return to their original functional status.
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