ACTIVE LIVING FORBRAIN INJURIES

THROUGH SPECIALIZED WALKING POLES

WHY WALKING POLES?

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POLING VS WALKING

Full body workout that mimics the same pattern as functional walking, arm swing, core strength & balance

HOLISTIC APPROACH

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Awesome tool for physical and functional goals. We work on improving walking tolerance and talk over challenges. Improves posture, co-ordination, awareness. Less verbal cueing required for arm swing and shoulder ROM. Leah Munday, OT Vancouver

The poles allow me to walk a greater distance to do the things I love like hiking. Many people with a multitude of disabilities are stuck at home and I think many can and should be able to get out. Ian Head, brain injury survivor and advocate

ABILITY VS DISABILITY

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VS OTHER WALKING DEVICES - CANES

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AGENDA

�Research Review�ACTIVATOR Technique�Guidelines �Exercising for balance & strength�Training

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�240 studies on PubMed on walking poles�8 Studies on Use of Activator Poles

RESEARCH

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RESEARCH – STROKE

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Gait, balance and ADL improvedmore significantly in the Nordic Walking treadmill group

Kang et al, 2016

�All participants - reduced pain, improved balance & quality of life

�NW was superior to other groups -improving postural stability, stride length, gait pattern and gait variability

Reuters, et. al 2010

PARKINSON’S

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Increased patients’ physical activity & improved their mood.Suija et al. 2009

Improved mood, less fatigue, decreased depression & anger compared to walking.Stoughton, 1992

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MOOD & DEPRESSION

NORDIC WALKING POLES

& ACTIVATOR TECHNIQUE

Go to urbanpoling.com:“Getting Started - ACTIVATOR Training” “Getting Started- Urban Poling Instructions

ACTIVATOR & URBAN POLING TECHNIQUE VIDEO

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GAIT WITH POLES

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� Keep it simple – use fewer instruction� Don’t emphasize opposite arm and leg� Less distractions� Start inside – before heading outside to learn � Start at 30% of the person’s walking tolerance� Activity requires physical, social and cognitive skil ls (new learning,

dealing with traf fic, talking) so it will require more energy � Gradually increase tolerance� Exercise with a sturdy wall or chair behind you� Use another device for daily use and the poles for daily exercising

and walking if you have concerns about co-ordination. � Start with one pole and exercise with two and progress to two when

co-ordination improves.

GUIDELINES FOR BI

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� Assessment by a therapist or rehab professional;� Ataxia� Poor co-ordination in which poles become a tripping hazard � Cognitive limitations that make pole use too challenging.� Agitated or aggressive behaviour which places the person or

other people at risk.� Another option: Use the Poles for daily exercise and other

devices for daily mobil ity in the community

CONTRAINDICATIONS

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Benefits for Exercise:�Posture�Balance �Motivation and Variety�Bilateral movements�Visual & Sensory Cues�Home exercise programs become more versatile�Becomes more comfortable with using poles for

long term use

BENEFITS OF EXERCISES WITH POLES

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SAMPLE SITTING EXERCISES

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STANDING & PRE-GAIT EXERCISES

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BILATERAL EXERCISES

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WALKING GROUPS

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increased social interaction, motivated & committed to participate in walk/exercise thus improving their physical /emotional well being � Janice Crombeen, Brain

Injury Services, Barrie

.

� Research � Comparison to Canes � Activator Technique� Exercise for Strength and Balance � Training Course for Rehab Professional – online and live

SUMMARY

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Website: UrbanPoling.com for research, videos, training, Activator Poles & resourcesmandy@Urbanpoling.com