Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized health profession dedicated to helping individuals participate fully in the activities that make up their daily lives, often referred to as occupations. When a person experiences an injury, illness, or disability, their ability to perform necessary tasks can be limited. Functional mobility is a core concept within OT because movement is frequently a prerequisite for engaging in these daily activities.
Defining Functional Mobility in Occupational Therapy
Functional mobility is defined as the ability to move from one position or place to another while performing everyday activities. This definition distinguishes it from general physical movement by focusing on movement that facilitates participation. The movement must serve a purpose related to a person’s self-care, work, or leisure activities.
The concept centers not just on the biomechanics of movement, but on the outcome—the ability to interact with and navigate the environment to achieve a goal. For example, the ability to walk is less important than the ability to walk safely from the bed to the bathroom to complete morning hygiene. Functional mobility integrates physical capacity with the cognitive and environmental factors that affect a client’s independence and daily performance.
Activities Included in Functional Mobility
The scope of functional mobility covers a wide range of essential, practical movements necessary for daily living. These tasks are typically categorized by the type of movement and the environment in which they occur.
Bed Mobility and Transfers
Bed mobility includes the movements required to manage one’s body while lying down. This involves rolling from side to side, scooting up or down in the bed, and moving from lying to a seated position at the edge of the mattress. Transfers address moving safely between two different surfaces. Common examples are shifting from a bed to a wheelchair, a chair to a toilet, or maneuvering in and out of a bathtub or a car.
Locomotion and Navigation
Locomotion refers to the ability to move through an immediate environment, whether using one’s own body or a device. This includes functional ambulation, which is walking for a purpose, or maneuvering a manual or power wheelchair within the home or a facility. Environmental navigation involves interacting with obstacles and structures. This includes managing steps and stairs, opening doors, or traveling to the mailbox.
How Occupational Therapy Improves Mobility
Occupational therapists employ a structured process that begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify specific barriers to safe and efficient movement. The therapist evaluates physical factors such as strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, often using observation during real-life tasks. They also assess the client’s home or work environment to pinpoint potential hazards or structural challenges that limit mobility.
Intervention strategies focus on restoring lost function or teaching compensatory techniques. Therapists use targeted exercises, such as bridging or heel-to-toe walking, to enhance muscle strength and stability required for specific tasks like standing up or maintaining balance. They also provide training in proper body mechanics and energy conservation principles, helping clients perform tasks with less strain and fatigue.
Adaptive Equipment and Environmental Modifications
Intervention involves recommending and training the use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices. This can include teaching a client how to safely use a walker, cane, or wheelchair, or how to utilize specialized equipment like a long-handled reacher for item retrieval. Occupational therapists are experts in environmental modifications tailored to the client’s needs. They may recommend installing safety features like grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats, or ramps to eliminate architectural obstacles and reduce the risk of falls.