Mixed cue (colour/pattern) task constraints to add cognitive load to Step Over exercise variations.

Mixed Cues: App cues can be “mixed” with task/environment cues and/or constraints to direct movement. This allows extra flexibility for exercise design and is useful for increasing complexity or adding cognitive load. For example, the Step Over Dual Task uses a Colour cue to direct a particular stepping pattern.

Step Over Dual Task Mixed Pattern Cue Guide. [0.00]

• Colour cue = Stepping pattern:

  • Red: Right side ipsilateral (R step/R bounce).

  • Blue: Left side ipsilateral (L step/L bounce).

  • Yellow: Right side contralateral (R step/L bounce).

  • Green: Left side contralateral (L step/R bounce).

Step Over Dual Task. [0.13]

• Step over low hurdle with either ipsilateral or contralateral ball bounce as per cue directive.

• Colour cue = Step pattern (R/L; ipsi/contra).

• Environment Constraints: Hurdle height, hurdle placement, ball type, pace.

• Task Constraints: Step pattern, step direction (forward + backwards over hurdle).

Exercise Design Notes: Mixed cue design to increase complexity and cognitive load. Addition of low hurdle to promote timely flexion of the stepping leg - hurdle placement should be directly infront of the feet at the starting position. Be mindful of return step backwards over hurdle. Assess for safety and modify as needed.

Regression/Progression: Pattern complexity, pace, hurdle height, range of motion, multi-level stepping, add load, add perturbation; single ball may be used with a double hand catch if fine motor control is prohibitive.

Step Over Reach. [0.33]

• Step over low hurdle with reach to colour cone.

• Left/Right colour cue = Left/right step + reach to colour.

• Environment Constraints: Hurdle height, hurdle placement, ball type/weight, pace.

• Task Constraints: Step pattern (left/right) reach to colour, load, step direction (forward + backwards over hurdle).

  Exercise Design Notes: Directed stepping to increase cognitive load, pace/time pressure constraint, loaded reach to facilitate hip hinge, challenge deceleration against gravity. Addition of low hurdle to promote timely flexion of the stepping leg - hurdle placement should be directly infront of the feet at the starting position. Be mindful of return step backwards over hurdle. Assess for safety and modify as needed.

  Regression/Progression: Pattern complexity, pace, hurdle height, range of motion, multi-level stepping, load, add perturbation.