ACTIVE LIVING FOR BRAIN INJURIES THROUGH SPECIALIZED WALKING POLES

ACTIVE LIVING FOR BRAIN INJURIES THROUGH SPECIALIZED WALKING POLES

WHY WALKING POLES?

POLING VS WALKING Full body workout that mimics the same pattern as functional walking, arm swing, core strength & balance

HOLISTIC APPROACH Awesome tool for physical and functional goals. We work on improving walking tolerance and talk over challenges. Improves posture, co-ordination, awareness. Less verbal cueing required for arm swing and shoulder ROM. Leah Munday, OT Vancouver

ABILITY VS DISABILITY The poles allow me to walk a greater distance to do the things I love like hiking. Many people with a multitude of disabilities are stuck at home and I think many can and should be able to get out. Ian Head, brain injury survivor and advocate

VS OTHER WALKING DEVICES - CANES

AGENDA Research Review ACTIVATOR Technique Guidelines Exercising for balance & strength Training Urban Poling - copyright

RESEARCH 240 studies on PubMed on walking poles 8 Studies on Use of Activator Poles

RESEARCH STROKE Gait, balance and ADL improved more significantly in the Nordic Walking treadmill group Kang et al, 2016 Trademarked - Urban Poling Inc.

PARKINSON S All participants - reduced pain, improved balance & quality of life NW was superior to other groups - improving postural stability, stride length, gait pattern and gait variability Reuters, et. al 2010

MOOD & DEPRESSION Increased patients physical activity & improved their mood. Suija et al. 2009 Improved mood, less fatigue, decreased depression & anger compared to walking. Stoughton, 1992

NORDIC WALKING POLES & ACTIVATOR TECHNIQUE

ACTIVATOR & URBAN POLING TECHNIQUE VIDEO Go to urbanpoling.com: Getting Started - ACTIVATOR Training Getting Started- Urban Poling Instructions

GAIT WITH POLES

GUIDELINES FOR BI Keep it simple use fewer instruction Don t emphasize opposite arm and leg Less distractions Start inside before heading outside to learn Start at 30% of the person s walking tolerance Activity requires physical, social and cognitive skills (new learning, dealing with traffic, talking) so it will require more energy Gradually increase tolerance Exercise with a sturdy wall or chair behind you Use another device for daily use and the poles for daily exercising and walking if you have concerns about co-ordination. Start with one pole and exercise with two and progress to two when co-ordination improves.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Assessment by a therapist or rehab professional; Ataxia Poor co-ordination in which poles become a tripping hazard Cognitive limitations that make pole use too challenging. Agitated or aggressive behaviour which places the person or other people at risk. Another option: Use the Poles for daily exercise and other devices for daily mobility in the community

BENEFITS OF EXERCISES WITH POLES Benefits for Exercise: Posture Balance Motivation and Variety Bilateral movements Visual & Sensory Cues Home exercise programs become more versatile Becomes more comfortable with using poles for long term use

SAMPLE SITTING EXERCISES

STANDING & PRE-GAIT EXERCISES

BILATERAL EXERCISES

WALKING GROUPS increased social interaction, motivated & committed to participate in walk/exercise thus improving their physical /emotional well being Janice Crombeen, Brain Injury Services, Barrie.

SUMMARY Research Comparison to Canes Activator Technique Exercise for Strength and Balance Training Course for Rehab Professional online and live Website: UrbanPoling.com for research, videos, training, Activator Poles & resources mandy@urbanpoling.com