Table 1 Safety screening for kinesiologists working with people with chronic neurological conditions
Health History Safety Screen* (not an exhaustive list) | |
Questionnaires | |
CSEP Get Active Questionnaire or equivalent screening tool | |
Medical Concerns* | |
Recent surgery | Uncontrolled medical conditions |
Sudden change in health status | Uncontrolled blood pressure or heart rate/rhythm |
Not taking prescribed medications | Uncontrolled heart condition |
 > 1 chronic health condition | |
Additional screening considerations common in neurological conditions | |
Pain | Pain that limits range of motion may require further assessment |
Shoulder subluxation/step deformity | Limit to lower extremity if subluxation present If subluxation corrected, can continue with task-oriented skill practice with caution. Work in pain-free range |
Spasticity that limits range of motion | Use caution with task-oriented skill practice |
Autonomic dysreflexia | Use caution. Low risk with task-oriented skill practice |
Impaired thermoregulation | Use caution as overheating can exacerbate conditions. Low risk with task-oriented skill practice but should be monitored |
Altered somatosensation | Use caution with task-oriented skill practice as less somatosensory feedback can lead to injury |
Altered sensory processing | Use caution and adapt for sensitivities to light, noise, touch, etc |
Altered cognition | May require single step commands during practice |
Altered communication | May require adaptations or assistance to communicate |
Poor balance | May require individual to hold on during lower extremity task |
Poor coordination | May require additional stabilization or guidance |
Safety flags during exercise* (not an exhaustive list) | |
Angina (chest pain/tightness) | Facial expressions that signify distress |
Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea | Significant pain |
Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) | Pale, or blueish/greyish appearance (pallor or cyanosis) |
Nausea | Light-headedness or confusion |
Heart palpitations Numbness/tingling | Exercise related musculoskeletal injury like repetitive strain (risk is low with task-oriented skill practice) |
Other unmanaged health concerns | Blurred vision |