Proper Foot Placement During Bed Mobility
| The importance of proper foot placement is easy to see as it relates to standing or walking. But how can the position of the foot and ankle affect other functional tasks such as bed mobility, sit to stand and dressing?
Everyone (not just PT!) should know how to position the foot properly during these functional tasks in order to improve their patient’s safety and level of independence. |
 |
|
| In hemiplegia, poor foot placement of the involved lower extremity is often influenced by abnormal tone (knee extension, ankle plantar flexion and supination/inversion of the foot). ROM of ankle dorsiflexion and lengthening of the Achilles is helpful. |  |
|
| Therapists can also inhibit extensor tone of the LE by positioning the foot in a weightbearing position. This is often initiated during bed mobility, having the patient bridge and scoot to the side in order to change position or sit up. The knee is flexed and the foot is positioned under the knee with the ankle in dorsiflexion. |  |
|
| Here’s a helpful tip for placing the foot in a LE influence by extensor tone: Firmly grip the ball of the foot, avoiding the arch. Bring the foot into ankle dorsiflexion with pronation/eversion (this decreases extensor tone making it easier to bend the knee). |
 |
|
| Flex the knee and place the foot as far under the knee as the patient can comfortably tolerate. Good alignment of the hip, knee, ankle and foot is important. Aligning the knee over the foot with ankle dorsiflexion encourages greater weightbearing through the foot, making it less likely to slide and the leg extend. |  |
|
| Increase weightbearing onto the foot by firmly bringing the femur forward as the patient bridges and extends their hips.
Proper foot placement not only helps your patient with bed mobility, but also with sit to stand, transfers and other functional ADLs. |
 |
For more in-depth handling methods, refer to our : Home Study Courses on DVD.
What better way to learn ‘hands on’ skills than by watching and listening?