What should you do if a patient exhibits slow and labored movements after a task?

Encouraging the patient to sit back down and try again with big effort is essential in this situation. This approach aligns well with the principles of LSVT BIG, which emphasizes the importance of practicing big movements and maintaining motivation. If a patient exhibits slow and labored movements, it may indicate that they are struggling to perform the movements correctly or that their motor planning is impaired.

By having them sit back down and encouraging a focus on executing the movements with more effort, frustration can be minimized, and they can be guided to use the correct mechanics essential for improving their motor function. This process helps reinforce the importance of using big, exaggerated movements, which can improve their overall performance and help build confidence.

It is also critical to consider the other options: simply encouraging them to continue without addressing the underlying issues may set them up for failure. Allowing a break might give the patient some relief, but it may not promote active engagement or improvement in motor skills. Assessing for further complications could be a valid step if warranted, but it should follow immediate interventions geared towards improving their movement quality. Thus, returning to the task with big effort is an effective method to boost their performance and facilitate progress.