Disability in Activities of Daily Living

Neck exercise

• Slowly roll the head to the right (looking over the right shoulder) and then to the left (looking over the left shoulder).
• Slowly tilt the head to the right and then to the left. Do not elevate (shrug) the shoulder.

Finger exercise

• Make an “O” by touching the thumb tip to the tip of the index finger. Give some weight and then stretch all the fingers. Continue to make an “O” with each finger and repeat with the other hand.
• Make an “O” by touching the thumb tip to the tip of the index finger. Do the same with the other hand and link both “O’s” together like a chain. Then, try to pull them apart. Do this procedure with each finger.
• Touch and press the finger tips together, keeping the palms apart.

Wrist exercise

• Place the forearm on a table with wrist over the edge. Then, bend the wrist up and down several times. Repeat for both wrists.
• Gently bend one wrist down with the other hand. Repeat for both wrists.
• Gently bend one wrist back with the other hand. Repeat for both wrists.

Shoulder exercise

• Stand straight up and raise both arms straight out in front of the body (at shoulder level). Then, try to pull gradually with the right arm. Follow the same procedure on the left side.
• Extend both arms above the head. Then, try to reach gradually as far as possible with the right arm. Follow the same procedure on the left side.
• Raise the left arm and bend it at the elbow. Hold and push the left arm as far as possible with the right hand. Repeat this on the other side.

Knee exercise

• Sit on a chair and straighten one leg at the knee. Then, move the toes around in a slow circle.
• Sit on a chair with the knee bent. Cross the ankle of one leg behind the ankle of the other leg. Press the ankles together as hard as possible and hold them for 10 seconds. Repeat this in the opposite direction.

Back and belly exercise

• Lie on your back. Hold one thigh and bring the knee up to the chest. Repeat this exercise on the other side.

Ankle exercise

• Stand and hold a wall or table with one leg slightly ahead of the other.
• Gently lean the body toward the wall or table, allowing the knee in front to bend (900) while keeping the other knee straight. Hold this for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise on the other side.