Cover — Resistance

Intervention Summary

Goals: Leg strength, arm strength, core strength
Patient task: Patient performs exercise
Dog task: Dog lays across patient to provide resistance
Scale: Resistance
Equipment needed: None

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Intervention Overview

A great way to change up your traditional exercises is by using the cutest weight you could find — your facility dog! Using the “cover” command, have your facility dog lay across your patient as they perform their exercises.

Patient Instructions

• Patient lays on therapy mat

• Perform a variety of exercises:

  • Leg strength: Straight leg raise, supine/sidelying hip abduction, prone hip extension, ankle pumps, marches, wall squats

  • Core strength: Crunches, plank, bird dog, push ups

  • Arm strength: Shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, wrist flexion/extension

Dog’s Role

• Dog performs “cover” across patient’s body

• Interaction level: passive

Scaling

Make it easier:

• Limit cover to just the dog’s head or paw

Make it harder:

• Have your dog lay as much of their body across the patient