Which Stroke Exercises Should I Do?

A vital aspect of what stroke exercises to perform is determined by what part of the brain has been damaged by the stroke event. A stroke occurs when blood to the area is compromised and this results in decreased oxygen. It can also be called a CVA or cerebrovascular accident. The problems experienced post stroke are a result of the extent of the injury which relates to how much of the brain area was affected. Also relating to problems experienced is which side of the brain or part of the brain has been damaged.

Stroke exercises form an integral part of the recovery and rehabilitation process. The latest scientific research about the brain and recovery demonstrate a remarkable finding called 'neuroplasticity' with regards to the brain and the nervous system. Neuroplasticity is a combination of the words neurology which can refer to the brain and nervous system and the word plastic which refers to something soft and pliable. Basically science has found that the brain is a 'plastic' organ, which means it is not fixed or rigid but it is highly adaptable and able to change or mold. This concept is the process behind stroke recovery and people abilities to regain functions after a stroke. With regards to stroke exercises in very broad categories we can look at three main areas which are cognitive exercises, motor exercises and sensory exercises.

Exercises that focus on cognition can be anything to do with processing thought. Any function that occurs in your brain, like adding up a mathematics equation. Classically for people who have suffered a stroke on the left side of their brain they may experience problems with language called aphasia. This can be problems with understanding speech or expressing speech. These issues occur despite normal hearing and normal movement of speech producing parts of the face. Cognition exercises would focus on the thinking aspects of recovery and work on helping problems like the language related aphasia.

Motor rehabilitation focuses on working on improving the movement of the body or limbs of the body. This is a frequent aspect of rehabilitation post stroke. After a stroke people may have spasticity which results in rigidness or they may have severe decrease in muscle tone resulting both of which result in a decrease ability to move properly. The task of increasing movement and improving co-ordination is very important. Helping the stroke survivor to regain the ability to dress themselves, walk, get out of bed and feed themselves can go a long way to improving their independence and self confidence.

Sensory problems can refer to areas of the skin or body that feel numb or do not have the proper feeling or sensation. And this can affect the ability to discriminate sharp or dull objects and hot and cold objects. It may be that there is some feeling in that area but the sensitivity of it is greatly reduced from what it normally should be. This can in turn affect movement of the limb because you can not sense the movement of the limb very well.

The need for specific stroke exercises to help a patient with their recovery and rehabilitation is very important. These exercises should target the symptoms that the stroke survivor is having and address the areas of the brain affected. A more tailored approach can help ensure the most recovery and speed up the process.

By: John D. Hamilton

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More expert advice on stroke exercises is available from author John Hamilton's website, which is all about help after a stroke.

John Hamilton is a Health Professional who specializes in stroke rehabilitation.