Hello, OK, has anyone else read the article titled, "it's A Matter of Strength: Optimizing Functional Independence" in the June 27 edition of Advance for OTs? I cannot for the life of me understand why OTs pigeon hole themselves into the upper extremity thing all the time. The article mentions that OTs do upper extremity strengthening or exercise close to 10 times by my reckoning. This is along with many other unfathomable comments.
One quote, "For the geriatric population, upper extremity strength plays a key role in maintaining independence." I suppose strength in the rest of the body has no bearing on independence. Why make a statement like that? Another quote, "In addition, the age-related decline in muscle mass that leads to decreasing upper body strength and endurance often creates difficulties for older people. Without the strength required to perform basic activities of daily living (ADL), many older people become frustrated, eat less, lose self esteem, reduce their socialization, and limit or stop participation in other formerly enjoyable activities." It seems like a chicken before the egg scenario! I feel that the decline in strength is secondary to the occupational dysfunction and that progressing limitation in occupational capabilities and participation in daily occupations leads to many secondary issues including decreased strength/endurance. Although, I can see where their coming from, it would be a clearer example of OT to use a differnet approach (i.e. one focusing on the occupational task and using engagement in purposeful activtiy as a primary means for intervention). They go on to mention regarding observation of inability to transfer, push up from a chair, mobilize around the facility, support their weight and maneuver with a walker and relate this to identify a patient in need of upper extremity strengthening. Did I miss something? Wouldn't the above items more denote an individual in need of lower extremity strengthening? Regardless, why don't they explore the occupational limitations associated with all of the above limitations and focus their interventions appropriately. If a patient is having difficulty as noted above, they would probably have difficulty with self care, productivity and leisure interests. Will upper extremity strengthening ameliorate the occupational issues? If you were to take a biomechanical approach, why wouldn't you prescribe lower extremity strengthening for this type of patient? The most blatant statement reads, "..what sets occupational therapy apart from other therapy disciplines is the focus on tasks and goals that relate to functional activities." It would come as a surprise to most PTs that they don't focus on tasks and goals that relate to function. I really don't believe this is what makes OT a distinct profession. They finish with a statement about getting out the "message" about signs of declining strength and endurance. I would rather they not get that message out...Thank you very much. Jimmie Arceneaux, LOTR Metro Preferred Home Care 3501 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste 200 Metairie, LA 70002 504-838-7080 Fax 504-833-9309 *** NOTICE--The attached communication contains privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, DO NOT read, copy, or disseminate this communication. Non-intended recipients are hereby placed on notice that any unauthorized disclosure, duplication, distribution, or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of these materials is expressly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please delete this information in its entirety and contact the Amedisys Privacy Hotline at 1-866-518-6684. Also, please immediately notify the sender via e-mail that you have received this communication in error. *** -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
