Lower-body range-of-motion exercise for elders

Lower-Body Range-of-Motion

Exercise

4.1

Seated Up-and-Down Leg March

Target Joint­—Hips

Start and Finish Position

1. Good seated posture.

2. Hands in a comfortable position.

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Upward and Downward Movement

3. Lift one foot off the floor.

4. Then put it back down.

5. Alternate legs (march).

6. Perform three to eight repetitions per leg.

http://www.humankinetics.com/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/116/108bph_Main.png

Exercise and Safety Tips

• Lift legs only as high as comfortable while maintaining erect posture.

• Those with a hip fracture or replacement should avoid lifting the leg higher than a 90-degree angle at the hip joint in a seated or standing position.

Variations and Progression Options

• Easier: Start by lifting the legs slightly, keeping the toes on the floor. Slowly progress higher.

• Challenger: Move feet forward and backward while marching.

• Challenger (Combo): Swing arms while marching.

• In-between: Perform leg marching between other ROM exercises.

• Standing Up-and-Down Leg March (involves a brief one-legged stand).

SHOP

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