Stroke can cause a variety of physical impairments, ranging from muscle weakness and difficulty moving, speech and swallowing problems, to cognitive impairment. However, with proper rehabilitation, stroke patients can improve their physical function and return to a more independent life. A crucial aspect of recovery is physical exercise and therapy tailored to the patient's condition.
Here are some exercise therapies and other therapies for post-stroke recovery.
Physiotherapy to Restore Motor Skills
Many stroke patients experience motor impairments due to damage to the areas of the brain that control muscle movement, coordination, and fine motor skills. Physical therapy can help by:
1. Physical Exercise for Balance and Coordination
After a stroke, many patients experience difficulty maintaining balance and coordination. Some exercises that can help include:
- Position Transfer Exercises : Helping patients transfer from bed to wheelchair or from sitting to standing to increase independence.
- Sit and Stand Exercises : Train patients to get up from a chair with/without assistance to strengthen leg muscles and improve balance.
- Walking Exercise : Practice walking with aids such as a walker or cane, until walking without assistance to improve mobility skills.
2. Strength Training to Restore Muscle Function
A stroke can cause weakness on one side of the body. To address this, the following strength training exercises can be performed:
- Joint Movement Exercises : Helps maintain joint flexibility to prevent stiffness, for example by slowly stretching the arms and legs.
- Hand Function Exercises for Lifting and Holding Objects : Using light aids to train hand strength and finger coordination.
- Arm and Leg Muscle Strengthening Exercises : Using resistance bands or additional weights to strengthen weak muscles.
3. Exercises to Restore Mobility
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping patients regain mobility. Some of the techniques used in physiotherapy include:
- Stretching Therapy : To reduce muscle stiffness and increase flexibility.
- Light Aerobic Exercise : Such as walking on a treadmill or stationary bike exercise to increase cardiorespiratory endurance and large muscles.
- Electrical Stimulation : Using mild electrical stimulation on weak muscles to help improve their function.
Speech Therapy to Restore Communication Skills
Many stroke patients experience speech impairments due to damage to the areas of the brain that control communication. Speech therapy can help by:
- Language Comprehension Training : Trains patients to understand and respond better to conversations.
- Word Formation and Pronunciation Exercises : practicing the formation of sounds to form words and articulation or pronunciation of words to improve control of the speech muscles.
- Word Formation and Pronunciation Exercises : practicing the formation of sounds to form words and articulation or pronunciation of words to improve control of the speech muscles.
- Alternative Communication Techniques : Using pictures or writing as a communication aid for patients who have difficulty speaking.
Occupational Therapy to Increase Independence
Occupational therapy aims to assist patients with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. These exercises also help improve higher cognitive/thinking functions. Some exercises performed in occupational therapy include:
1. Practice using aids : Such as special spoons and forks to help make eating easier.
2. Writing and Gripping Practice : Train your hands to hold a pencil or other tool to improve hand coordination.
3. Daily Skills Training : Such as buttoning clothes or tying shoelaces to increase patient independence.
4. Cognitive Training to Improve Complex Thinking Skills: Some stroke patients experience cognitive impairments, such as difficulty remembering, concentrating, calculating, or understanding multiple instructions. To help restore cognitive function, the following exercises can be performed:
- Memory Exercise : Use memory cards or puzzle games to train your memory.
- Attention and Concentration Exercises : Such as reading a book or listening to music with focus to improve concentration.
- Problem Solving Exercises : Perform activities that involve simple decision making.
Physical exercise and other post-stroke therapies are crucial for accelerating recovery and improving the patient's quality of life. By regularly undergoing physiotherapy, speech therapy, and/or occupational therapy, patients have a greater chance of returning to daily activities with greater independence. Consistency and support from family and medical personnel will greatly assist in this recovery process.
Article written by Dr. Endang Septyana Ecaterina Silaen, Sp. KFR, Subsp.NM(K) (Specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, EMC Pulomas Hospital).