A theoretical model to describe progressions and regressions for exercise rehabilitation

• Theoretical models for exercise have evolved from early periodisation models such as General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) into linear models of progression and more recently into non-linear models.
• This model is a visual aid, describing exercise progression over time manipulated by a series of internal and external stimuli to reach a predetermined goal.
• The model can be adapted to complex scenarios due to its flexibility. It allows flexibility for personal and clinical experience.

This article aims to describe a new theoretical model to simplify and aid visualisation of the clinical reasoning process involved in progressing a single exercise. Exercise prescription is a core skill for physiotherapists but is an area that is lacking in theoretical models to assist clinicians when designing exercise programs to aid rehabilitation from injury. Historical models of periodization and motor learning theories lack any visual aids to assist clinicians.The concept of the proposed model is that new stimuli can be added or exchanged with other stimuli, either intrinsic or extrinsic to the participant, in order to gradually progress an exercise whilst remaining safe and effective. The proposed model maintains the core skills of physiotherapists by assisting clinical reasoning skills, exercise prescription and goal setting. It is not limited to any one pathology or rehabilitation setting and can adapted by any level of skilled clinician.