Allen Burger's Exercises

They are 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.

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; and,

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.

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.

Horizontal

Down

Horizontal