What does "bed mobility" refer to in rehabilitation?

"Bed mobility" specifically refers to the ability of a patient to move and reposition themselves while in bed. This includes activities such as rolling from side to side, scooting up or down the bed, sitting up, and getting into a comfortable position. It is a crucial skill in rehabilitation as it impacts a patient's independence and comfort during recovery.

Improving bed mobility can also serve as a foundation for more advanced functional mobility, as it enhances strength, coordination, and awareness of body positioning. By focusing on these movements, rehabilitation professionals can help patients regain their autonomy and prepare for subsequent steps in their recovery, such as standing or transferring to a chair.

The other options describe different aspects of mobility in rehabilitation. The ability to perform exercises while sitting covers a different range of activities that are not specifically about moving within a bed. The ability to walk unassisted pertains to ambulation and requires a different level of strength and coordination. Lastly, moving from bed to a chair involves a transfer skill that relies on both upper and lower body strength and coordination, which is distinct from basic bed mobility tasks.