How to do it
No equipment needed - just a bit of space.
Sit tall in a supportive chair with your arm resting comfortably. A helper can hold a fingertip out in front of you as a target, about an arm's length away.
- Start with your hand resting on your knee.
- Slowly reach out and touch the tip of your index finger to your nose.
- Slowly move your finger back out to touch the target or your helper's fingertip.
- Repeat at a steady, unhurried pace, keeping the path smooth.
Form cues
- The movement is slow and smooth, not fast and jerky.
- Your finger travels in a straight line rather than wandering or overshooting.
- You watch your finger the whole way to help guide it.
Common mistakes
- Moving fast to beat the shakiness - slower gives you more control.
- Swinging the whole arm from the shoulder instead of guiding with the hand.
- Doing so many that the arm tires and accuracy drops - stop and rest.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, sudden new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.