Group exercise

GROUP EXERCISES
Radhika Chintamani

CONTENTS
 Definition
 Values of group exercise
 Difference between individual and group exercises
 Organization of group exercise: selection of patients,
gradings of groups, explanation of the patient, the number
of patients in a group and the technique of instruction.
 Merits of group exercise
 Demerits of group exercise

DEFINITION
 Exercise: it is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned,
structured, repetitive and purposeful in the sense that the
improvement or maintenance of one or more components of
physical fitness is the objective. -
W.H.O
 Individual exercise: defined by individual subject doing exercise
either by himself or under supervision of a physiotherapist.
 Group Exercise: defined by group of people performing a
determined set of exercise under the supervision of a
physiotherapist.

NOTE ON GROUP EXERCISE
 Group exercise:
 Homogenous group members
 Consists of 6-8 subjects
 Individual concentration
 Stimulation is utilized from
working with each other
 Mass exercise:
 Heterogenous group members
 Large number of population
 Formal word or command or a
rhythm dictated by the
instructor to the entire mass
 Stimulation is utilized by the
rhythm/formal word/command
given by the instructor.
Group exercise is very much different from Mass exercise.

VALUES OF GROUP EXERCISE
1. The patient learns to take responsibility for his own exercise during
the group exercise therapy which helps towards adequate home
practice. Patients treated individually. The amount of attention given
to the individual patient decreases in proportion to the number in the
group, and yet a measure of help, supervision and encouragement is
available when required.
2. The patient learns to work with others and no longer considers
himself set apart from his fellow members because of his disability.

3. The patient is given confidence in the treatment and is therefore
stimulated to further effort, as progress on the part of other
members of the group does not pass unnoticed.
4. The patient is given confidence in his ability to hold his own
with others when the group performs some exercise in union.
5. Effort is stimulated by some activities which call for mild form
of competitions.
6. Sometimes group exercises are fun. Patients are helped to forget
their disabilities temporarily by objective and game-like
activities, which are only possible in group treatment.

Individual exercise Group Exercise
1. One subject
2. Individual focus
3. Proper attention and help
delivered
4. More of a therapy
1. 6-8 subjects
2. Divided focus
3. Divided attention but help
delivered whenever necessary
4. More of fun-game

Organization Of Group Exercise
1. Selection of patients: homogenous subjects with respect to
disability, age range, sometimes gender.
2. Grading of groups: groups are formed according to the
location and nature of the disability, the age group, gender of
the subject and nature and strength of the exercises performed.

Example for group grading
Type of group Type of Subjects
Leg C Traumatic injuries; for NWB exercises
Leg B Traumatic injuries; for PWB exercises
Leg A Traumatic injuries; for full WB exercises and
activities leading to final rehabilitation
Leg X Non-traumatic conditions for NWB exercises
Weight lifting and pulleys Patients needing repetitive resisted exercise
for various parts of the body can work
simultaneously under the direction of one
physiotherapist

3. Explanation to the patient:
 preliminary instructions must be given to patients before joining the
group like the purpose of the group exercise with regard to his
disability. This will develop her/his confidence
 If the patients are not confident enough to join the group; it is
necessary to advice them to watch the group exercise session which
they will be joining; this sometimes will help in development of
confidence
 Instructions regarding exercises and breathing pattern is also given
 Instruction regarding raising the hand/signaling to the therapist to
attain the help is delivered prior to the session

4. The number of patients in a group: depends on nature of
disability, amount of help required by the subjects during
exercises and also on ability of the physiotherapist to manage
the group. Usually not more than 6-8 subjects form a group to
perform group exercise.
5. The technique of instruction: commands, rhythm or beats of
certain frequency, demonstration either manual/pamplet/video
of a type of group exercise while performing the exercise.

Merits of group exercise
1. Build up confidence
2. Stimulates his effort while performing
exercises thus; improving endurance as well
as strength.
3. Group exercises can be modified to attain
the balance and co-ordination in subjects
with the respective deficits or even in
geriatric group.
4. If performed by geriatric; it build good
communication.
5. Builds a mild form of competitive levels while
performing.

Demerits
1. Individualized focus/attention can not be
delivered
2. Individualized help can not be delivered.
3. Every subject can not participate
4. Only certain form of exercise can be
practiced
5. Small group gives better outcome

Group exercise

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