Ashley's Activity #2

Activity #2 : Stretching to Music

Who: Veteran patients could use this to structure their time requirements for stretching, increase motivation. and increase success in completing the required time goal.

Need: According to my community partner, there is a need among their veteran patients for ways to help with combatting chronic pain and thoroughly completing exercises prescribed by their physical therapist. I plan to provide a resource handout explaining how stretching to music can help with structuring the time requirements prescribed by the physical therapists, increase motivation, as well as how to match their stretching to music. The goal is for the veteran patients to utilize this resource to help with thoroughly completing the time requirements for stretching tasks, in addition to increasing/maintaining motivation to do them.

What: This activity consists of one handout. The handout will have a succinct explanation of how to stretching to music is beneficial, as well as instructions on how to match their stretching to music. The veteran patients can read through the handout and follow the prompts.

UDL: Representation > Perception > Offer ways of customizing the display of information > Display information in a flexible format; I will be digitally creating the handout and emailing it to my community partner. The handout is created in a visually accessible manner, with font, color, text size, and contrast in mind. From there, the handout can also be edited as needed.

SEL: Self-management > Goal setting; This resource is primary directed towards providing a tool for the veteran patients to provide motivating structure and alternative means to set and achieve their therapeutic goals.

How: Once the handout has been retrieved from the community partner, the veteran patient will read through it before participating in the exercises. The next step is to find a device in which to play music and set a timer. This could include a cell phone, a computer, or tablet with either speakers or headphone options. The veteran patient will pick a song of their choosing that helps them feel motivated. Once they have chosen a song, they can set a timer to the required time limit, click play on their chosen song, and follow along with the instructions provided in the handout. The goal is for the patient to focus on their chosen song for the duration of the set timer. Once the time goes off, the veteran patient can reset it the next stretch. One song can be used for 2-3 stretches (2.5-4 minutes per song; 45-60 seconds per stretch), though that is not a requirement. The veteran patient can change songs for each stretch if they wish.

Materials: 

• Stretching Resource Handout (shown below)

• Device to download or print resource (E.g., phone, tablet, computer, or printer)

• Device to open and listen to music (E.g., phone, tablet, computer, or radio)

• Speakers or headphones to listen to music (item may be connected to device)

• Device to open and set timer (E.g., phone, tablet, computer, or watch)

• Speakers or headphones to hear timer alarm (item may be connected to device)

Handout: