Medical Exercise Assessment: Step 2- Initial Observation

Episode Title: The 7 Steps of the Medical Exercise Assessment - Step 2: Initial Observation

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Mike details step two of the seven-step medical exercise assessment process: the Initial Observation. He explains that the assessment actually begins the very moment you first lay eyes on your client. By observing their real-world movements before formal testing starts, fitness professionals can gain immediate insights into a client's functional capabilities and deficits to help guide the rest of the assessment.

Key Takeaways

• The Assessment Starts Immediately: Whether you are doing a home visit and the client opens the front door, or they are walking up to your studio's front desk to check in, the initial observation and assessment begin right at that moment.
• What to Observe: You should pay close attention to the client's posture, gait pattern, movement initiation, balance, upper extremity usage, and even their facial expressions.
• Real-World Application: Dr. Mike shares an example of assessing a client with Parkinson's disease. By watching the client walk to the door and step out onto the porch, Dr. Mike noted that the client could walk in a straight line but had visible balance disorders when navigating obstacles.
• Streamlining the Assessment: The initial observation gives you a heads-up on which formal assessment procedures to focus on. Correlating what a client can do functionally in the real world with isolated muscle testing helps you better determine the flow and extent of your assessment.
• Don't Skip Steps: Even though the initial observation provides incredibly valuable data, it does not mean you should discount or skip any components of the formal assessment. All components must still be completed, even if some are not weighed as heavily based on your initial observations.

Resources Mentioned

• Free eBook: Begin developing your medical exercise training practice by downloading the Medical Exercise Training 101 eBook at www.met101ebook.com.
• Contact the Host: If you have questions for Dr. Mike, please email him directly at drmike@postrehab.com.