Rehabilitation
At Home Rehabilitation Exercises
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7- Finger Tapping
LEVEL 1 - Ask the student to tap any key on a computer keyboard or typewriter as fast as possible for 10 seconds with one finger from the preferred hand. Count how many letters were typed. (Be careful that the student does not keep the key on a computer keyboard depressed, as this will generate a continuous string of letters. Emphasize that finger movement is required.) Do this 5 times, with rest period of about 30 seconds between each trial. Repeat with different fingers on both hands.
LEVEL 2 - Have the student tap two keys with two fingers on the same hand, alternating between the keys (such as: d f d f d f d f d f d f), for 10 seconds. Allow a rest period and repeat, as noted in Level 1. Change fingers and/or hands after five trials.
LEVEL 3 - Have the student alternate tapping/typing two keys, one with a finger from the left hand, the other with a finger on the right hand.
LEVEL 4 - Using four fingers of the right hand, have the student press four keys in sequence (L,K,J,H) for 30 seconds. Repeat several times, then try the left hand (A,S,D,F).
LEVEL 5 - Have the student type short words and phrases using both hands. At this level, if you are working on a computer, you could utilize a software program that teaches typing that can be found on the Internet or at any computer supply store.
LEVEL 6 - Type email messages if a computer is available or type letters to family and friends
Taken from Tasks for Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program, the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dept. of P M & R, Birmingham, AL. © 1998-2003 University of Alabama at Birmingham