Functional Exercise in a Flash

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Functional Exercise in a Flash is a comprehensive, practical guide designed for occupational therapists working in settings with limited therapy time. This resource focuses on maximizing functional strength, mobility, and independence in concise 30-minute sessions. It provides step-by-step instructions for exercises that target the lower body, core, and upper body. Each exercise is paired with modifications, safety tips, and functional integration strategies to ensure patients can safely apply their strength gains to daily life.

The guide emphasizes embedding strength training within everyday activities such as dressing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation, and bed mobility. By integrating exercises into ADLs, therapists can promote functional carryover and accelerate progress toward patient-centered goals. Seated and standing exercises using weights, Theraband, or weighted balls are included to improve push and pull strength critical for walker use, transfers, and overall independence.

In addition to practical exercises, Functional Exercise in a Flash includes sample 30-minute session templates tailored for early mobility, moderate mobility, and higher-level patients preparing for discharge. Patient examples illustrate how these exercises translate into meaningful improvements in daily tasks, while collaboration tips for OT/PT teams ensure comprehensive, efficient therapy. Backed by peer-reviewed research, this guide empowers therapists to deliver high-impact functional strength training even when time is limited, enhancing safety, confidence, and readiness for home or independent living.