ACTIVE FREE
EXERCISES
Definition:
Free active exercises are those which
are performed by the pt’s own
muscular efforts without the
assistance or resistance of any external
force, other than that of the gravity.
Active free ex’s vary widely in
character & effect because of:
1. The nature & extent of the movement.
1. The manner in which they are
performed.
* Active free ex’s can be used to obtain
any effects which are produced by ex’s
as a whole, if it is performed & used
judiciously.
Indications of active free exercises:
•
In cases of m. weakness.
•
After removal of plaster cast following surgical
procedures (tendon or m. transplantation).
•
Muscle re-education.
•
Limitation of ROM.
•
Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders.
•
Inability to do basic functional ADL
independently.
Goals of active free exercises:
1.
To improve circulation.
1.
To ↑ rate & depth of respiration.
2.
To mobilize stiff joints.
3.
To improve ROM.
4.
To strengthen weak ms.
5.
To improve co-ordination & balance.
6.
To achieve ADL independently.
7.
To correct deformities.
8.
To improve posture.
9.
To improve gait & ambulation.
Contra-indications of active free movements:
1.
Immediately after cardiovascular disorders e.g. myocardial
infarction & angina pectoris.
2.
Immediately after recent tear to ligament, m., or injured joints.
3.
At the site of #.
4.
Recent surgical procedures to tendons, ligaments, muscles, joint
capsules or skin.
5.
Diseases of bone (e.g. TB) & pathological # (e.g. osteoporosis &
tuberculosis of bone).
6.
Acute joint inflammation.
7.
Acute muscle inflammation.
8.
Muscle swelling.
9.
Severe joint pain.
10.
Acute m. pain.
Classification of active free
exercises:
It may be classified according to the
extent of the part involved into:
1.Localized.
2.General.
1.
Localized:
Are designed primarily to produce some
local & specific effects.
E.g.:
a. Mobilization of particular joint or
b. Strengthening of particular m. group.
E.g.: Pendulum exs. for the shoulder.
2.General:
– Are free exercises that usually involve
the use of many joints & muscles
allover the body.
– Their effect is wide spread.
E.g.:
a. Coordination exs.
b. Respiratory exs.
Rules & principles of active
free exs. (procedures):
1.
Instructions:
Instructions are given in a manner
which will gain the interest &
cooperation of the pt.
2. Starting position
•
Is selected & taught with care to insure the
maximum postural efficiency as a basis for the
movement .
•
The P.T. must choose it according to:
•
The pt’s condition
•
Type of active ex.
•
The type of m. contraction desired.
3. Speed of movement


The speed at which the exercises are done
depends on the effects required.
It is usually slow during the period of
learning & later the pt. is either allowed to
find his own natural rhythm or the speed
desired is dictated by the P.T.

It often helps the pt to maintain his
natural rhythm at home.

During practice under the P.T. supervision
the pt. is encouraged to count loudly.
4. Progression
 An
active free ex program must be
progressive & as soon as the pt. is
capable of performing a more
difficult task, he should be
encouraged to do it.
 Constant
re-evaluation of the pt’s
abilities is essential to allow the reeducation to be progressive.
5. Repetitions

The number of times the movement is
repeated depends on:
A- The aim
(strengthening or endurance).
B - The fatigue of the ms.
* The condition which has caused the m
weakness must be known & understood
as in some conditions m. fatigue can be
injurious.
Group Therapy
1. Goals of group therapy.
2. Rules of choosing the members of
the group.
3. Location of group therapy.
4. Tools used in group therapy.
THANK YOU