In a clinical setting, the setup and ease of use of the FITLIGHTS® make them a MUST for rehab programs. They can be easily combined with other equipment and integrated with physical therapy sessions. In our webinar, we discuss several applications of FITLIGHT® amongst various populations. Here are five basic exercises that can be done with the FITLIGHT® system:
Challenge your client's balance by having them walk forwards, backward, or laterally to deactivate the lights. For beginners, you can create a "beam" on the floor and place the lights on either side. As their balance improves, you can use an elevated surface for more of a challenge. You can also set the lights directly in their path to having them step over.
In this exercise, the affected arm will reach various directions to deactivate the FITLIGHTS®. You can alter the position of the FITLIGHTS® to increase or decrease the range of motion required to deactivate the lights. The client is working on shoulder flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation.
Neuro Rehab and Trunk Stability
Working on reaching outside of the base of support is a great way to improve trunk stability. You can start by placing two lights on either side of the client and have them reach to deactivate them. For an added challenge, include more lights, assign a colour to a limb, and increase the distance the client has to reach to deactivate a light. Of course, this exercise could be done in sitting (plinth, standard chair, wheelchair or Theraball) or standing.
There are various ways to use the FITLIGHTS® to rehabilitate lower extremity injuries. Whether it's an ankle, knee, or hip injury, you can work on proprioception by placing the lights as seen here and having the client deactivate them using one foot or hand. For beginners, start them in a single-leg stance on the floor with the lights. As the client improves, add a Dynadisc, or a Bosu ball, and change the height of the lights. This drill will also improve single-leg balance, single-leg and core strength, and cognitive processing.
The TUG (Timed Up and Go) test, shown here is a simple outcome measure used to measure the senior population's lower extremity function, mobility, and fall risk. One FITLIGHT is placed beside the client's start position, and the other 3 meters away. By using the FITLIGHTS® to capture the total time it takes to complete the test, you are improving the accuracy of data collection and, as a therapist, can better observe your client's balance and gait pattern and guard them as needed. A green FITLIGHT® acting as a cue to GO is also a great way to see how your client responds to a visual cue.
Need more inspiration? Check out our YouTube library for more applications on integrating FITLIGHT® into any PT session.
