Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in damage to brain cells.

This damage can lead to physical and cognitive impairments that can severely affect the patient’s quality of life. One of the most common physical impairments that stroke patients experience is weakness or paralysis on one side of their body. Fortunately, there are various exercises that can help stroke patients improve their strength and mobility.

In this article, we will introduce 10 exercises that are recommended for stroke patients.

1. Passive Range of Motion Exercises

Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises are designed to maintain or improve joint mobility. These exercises are especially useful for stroke patients who have limited movement on one side of their body.

PROM exercises involve moving the affected limb gently and slowly through its full range of motion, without the patient using any effort. The goal of these exercises is to prevent the affected limb from becoming stiff and to promote circulation and healing.

2. Chair Stand Exercises

Chair stand exercises are a type of strength training that can help stroke patients improve their lower extremity strength and functional mobility. To perform this exercise, the patient should sit in a sturdy chair with armrests.

The patient should then stand up from the chair and sit back down for a predetermined number of repetitions. This exercise can be made more challenging by removing the armrests or by perform the exercise with only one leg at a time.

3. Wall Push-Ups

Wall push-ups are a great exercise for stroke patients who want to improve their upper extremity strength. To perform this exercise, the patient should stand facing a wall with their feet shoulder-width apart.

The patient should then extend their arms and place their hands on the wall. The patient should then slowly bend their arms and lower their body towards the wall, then push back up to the starting position.

This exercise can be made more challenging by standing further from the wall or by performing the exercise with one arm at a time.

4. Leg Raises

Leg raises are a simple exercise that can help stroke patients improve their hip and core strength. To perform this exercise, the patient should lie flat on their back with their arms at their sides.

The patient should then lift one leg off the ground and hold it for a few seconds before returning it to the ground. This exercise should be repeated for a predetermined number of repetitions on each leg.

5. Arm Raises

Arm raises are a similar exercise to leg raises, but they focus on improving upper extremity strength. To perform this exercise, the patient should sit or stand with their arms at their sides.

The patient should then slowly raise their arms up to shoulder height and hold them there for a few seconds before lowering them back down. This exercise should be repeated for a predetermined number of repetitions.

6. Step-Ups

Step-ups are a more advanced exercise that can help stroke patients improve their lower extremity strength and balance. To perform this exercise, the patient should stand in front of a step or small stool.

The patient should then step up onto the step with one foot and then step back down with the same foot. This exercise should be repeated for a predetermined number of repetitions on each leg.

7. Wall Sits

Wall sits are a challenging exercise that can help stroke patients improve their lower extremity strength and endurance. To perform this exercise, the patient should stand with their back against a wall and their feet shoulder-width apart.

The patient should then slowly slide down the wall until their knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. The patient should hold this position for a predetermined amount of time before standing back up.

8. Calf Raises

Calf raises are an effective exercise for improving lower extremity strength and balance. To perform this exercise, the patient should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their arms at their sides.

The patient should then slowly rise up onto the balls of their feet before lowering back down. This exercise should be repeated for a predetermined number of repetitions.

9. Sit-Ups

Sit-ups are a classic exercise that can help stroke patients improve their core strength. To perform this exercise, the patient should lie flat on their back with their knees bent and their hands behind their head.

The patient should then slowly raise their upper body off the ground and towards their knees before lowering back down.

10. Side Leg Lifts

Side leg lifts are an exercise that can help stroke patients improve their hip strength and balance. To perform this exercise, the patient should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their hands at their sides.

The patient should then lift one leg out to the side, keeping it straight, before lowering it back down. This exercise should be repeated for a predetermined number of repetitions on each leg.

Conclusion

Brain stroke can be a debilitating condition, but with the right exercise program, stroke patients can improve their strength and mobility. The 10 exercises listed above are a great starting point for anyone who is recovering from a stroke.

However, it is essential to consult a physical therapist before starting any exercise program to ensure that any safety concerns are addressed and exercises are tailored to the patient’s condition and needs.