Allen Burger's Exercises
Postural exercises - Done to enhance circulation of the feet and to provide a better healing environment for foot ulcer.
The exercises are begun with the patient in the supine position on a bed.
1. The patient raises the lower extremities to a 45-degree angle for a maximum of 3 minutes or until blanching occurs;
Pumps and circles the feet and performs isometric contractions of the quadriceps femoris and gluteus muscles for 1 minute or more in the elevated position;
2. Once blanching occurs, returns the leg to the horizontal position for 3 minutes, pumping and circling the feet for 1 minute.
Once the feet become a warm, rosy color, the patient sits up, hangs the legs over the side of the bed, and actively plantar flexes, dorsiflexes, and circles the feet, maintaining that position for 3 minutes or until rubor is observed.
3. The patient then returns to the supine position with the lower extremities in horizontal position for another 3 minutes and performs an active muscle contraction for 1 minute in this position.
Up
Horizontal
Down
Horizontal
The exercise series is performed 6 times x 4 times a day
