Stair Motivation

Physical Therapy
Written By Julie Robertson

Intervention Summary

Goals: Stair Training
Patient task: Climb the stairs
Dog task: Sit at top of stairs
Scale: Repetition
Equipment needed: none

Intervention Overview

This activity is geared towards those patients who are experiencing high pain or anxiety related to stair climbing. The facility dog is present to provide distraction and motivation to get the patient to be successful at stairs.

Patient Instructions

  • Patient at bottom of steps

  • Ask patient to climb stairs to get to facility dog

  • Have the patient give the dog a hug or a treat when they get to them as a celebration

Dog’s Role

  • Positioned at the top of stairs or sitting on a lower step, depending on patient’s abilities

  • Interaction level: passive

Scaling

Make it easier:

  • Patient only asked to do 1 or 2 steps

Make it harder:

  • Do full flight of stairs

  • Add weights to lower extremities

Additional Notes

  • Can use overhead harness for additional support and safety if needed

Julie Robertson
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