Using the Octaband™ for Exercise with Senior Adults

The following Octaband™ exercises were written up by Francine Godfrey, exercise physiologist, with the help of students, Melinda Morgrage & Ekaterina Shevchuk.

With the Octaband™ on both arms, or on one arm at a time. They are to be done with the assistance of a care partner.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

Follow all medical precautions, especially for hip replacement.

Be aware of individuals’ physical limits.

Make sure not to hyper-extend rotator cuff muscles (shoulder).

Tension is not as important.

Slow, controlled movements are more important (and safer) than fast movements.

Repetition is very beneficial.

*Caregiver benefits: caregiver should participate and get personal benefits as well!

ARMS:

Pull apart horizontal arms

Pull apart diagonal arms

Rowing / Pull Backs

Vertical scissors with arms straight, band tense

Horizontal scissors with arms straight, band tense

Pulling up pants with bending forward at pelvis

Up and down (with ball)

Arm Circles

LEGS:

Abduction / Adduction with legs extended and toes flexed

Leg extensions

Bands stretched with arms, leg lifts with toes touching band

Attach band to leg of chair (low level) - Step over with feet back and forth