Brushing
Intervention Summary
Goals: Range of motion, arm strength, ADL training, hemiparetic weightbearing
Patient task: Brushing dog
Dog task: Sit or lay calmly while patient brushes
Scale: Positioning, type of brush
Equipment needed: Brush
Intervention Overview
This activity is a great way to work on upper extremity range of motion and strength, as well as ADL grooming tasks. Position the dog to allow the patient to brush the dog, all while facilitating active range of motion of the shoulder, axilla, elbow, wrist, and hand.
Patient Instructions
Patient in sitting or standing
Brush the dog using impaired upper extremity
Note: for hemiparetic weightbearing, patient positioned to bear weight on impaired limb while brushing with non-impaired limb
Dog’s Role
Sitting or laying on the floor, table, or bed, depending on the positioning needs of the patient
Lay calmly while the patient performs grooming task
Interaction level: passive
Scaling
Make it easier:
Patient in sitting position
Use adaptive brush if patient has limited grip
Use mobile arm support or electrical stimulation for ROM assist
Make it harder:
Patient in standing position
Use standard brush
Place dog in position to challenge patient more (on elevated mat, on left or right side for reaching, etc.)
Additional Notes
Equipment: brush set (standard and adaptive brush)
Submitted by: Carole Adler Hughes
