The benefits and variety of gymnastic movements for strokes

Stroke is a serious disease and can be life threatening. That is why it is important to pay attention to the recovery process with a healthy lifestyle, one of which is by undergoing exercise for stroke patients. However, what is the real purpose of doing gymnastics after having a stroke? Then what movements can be done? Read the full explanation below.

Benefits of gymnastics for stroke patients

Stroke occurs because there is damage to the nervous system in the brain caused by blockage of blood vessels (stroke blockage) or bleeding in the brain (bleeding stroke).

Both causes of stroke can cause paralysis, muscle weakness, and decreased function of movement on one side of the body that experiences it.

The symptoms of a stroke that appear may persist after a stroke. It is not surprising that patients who have recently had a stroke have a higher risk of falling than healthy people. In fact, 73% of total stroke sufferers have fallen within the first six months after being discharged from the hospital.

Usually, to help with the recovery process, patients who have had a stroke will be assisted by a therapist to restore their strength and body control through various rehabilitation programs, one of which is physical exercise in the form of gymnastics. Activities such as gymnastics can help reduce the risk of experiencing transient ischemic attack (TIA).

In addition, there are many benefits of post-stroke exercise, including:

• Helps lower blood pressure.
• Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Helps lose weight if needed.
• Increases muscle strength and flexibility.
• Helps reduce anxiety and depression.
• Increase self-confidence.
• Helps to sleep better.
• Reducing the risk of various health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

At least, do gymnastics or post-stroke exercise for 30 minutes a day. Then, do it five times a week to reduce the risk of another stroke in the future.

A wide selection of movements for stroke gymnastics

The choice of gymnastic movements that you can do depends on your health condition. This means that gymnastic movements for strokes will be focused on weakened bodily functions so that they get back stronger.

1. Movement to restore strength in the arms and hands

This gymnastic movement for stroke patients starts with basic exercises first. To begin with, you may be accompanied by a therapist first. However, you can also do it yourself at home using the side of your body that is still strong.

Movements performed while lying on their back

1. This stroke exercise begins by connecting the fingers of both hands.
2. Then, raise your hands as if pointing upwards with your hands together.
3. However, don't go beyond a 90 degree angle if you have pain in the shoulder area.
4. Do it as few times as you can.

Movement performed while sitting and hands on the table

This stroke gymnastics movement is also done to strengthen the hands and arms, but is done while sitting.

• Try to reach for an object that is placed on the table with your weak hand.
• Place the weak hand on the bottom and the strong hand on it.
• Then, use your still strong hand to direct the weak hand to move on the table.
• If you have reached for an object that is placed on the table, try to move it over the surface of the table using a weak hand.
• The person accompanying you is allowed to help you touch the object, but not recommended to help direct the movement of the hand.

2. Movement to train knee strength

Usually, the knee is one of the limbs that will decrease in function due to a stroke. Therefore, stroke gymnastics can also be done to retrain the strength of the weakened knee. You can do the following movements:

1. Place a rolled towel under your thighs so that your feet don't touch or touch the floor.
2. Straighten and then slowly bend your knees. When you are about to straighten it back, pull your leg up so that it is lifted up.
3. If your condition has improved, try to give a stronger push when you want to lift and lower both legs.
4. You can also place a rolled towel under the soles of your feet.
5. Then, try to move the towel back and forth using both feet.
6. If you are getting used to it, do the same movement but only with the leg that has decreased in strength.

3. Movement to restore strength in the stomach and back

You can restore strength in your stomach and back after a stroke through the following exercises:

1. Keep your knees bent facing upwards and the soles of your feet on the bed.
2. Pull your stomach in and position your back straight against the bed.
3. Hold this position for five seconds, then relax, and repeat the movement.
4. While doing this movement, try to pull both knees to one side of the body, then return to its original position. Do the same for the other side.

Then, increase the exercise movement by adding hand movements.

1. After doing the previous movement up to the 3rd movement, link the fingers of your hands, then try to point the two connected hands towards the front.
2. Meanwhile, try to point your chin towards your chest while pointing your hands forward.
3. Hold this position for up to five seconds and do the movement again for a few repetitions.
4. You can also add hand motion by moving your hands and head to the side of the body where the muscle is weak. Hold each position for five seconds, and return to the original position.

Apart from the movements already mentioned, there are a few other moves you might try. Consult with a therapist, what types of stroke exercises you can do at home independently according to your health condition.

Other sports that can be done by stroke patients

According to the Stroke Association, you can certainly do other sports after having a stroke. Depending on your hobbies, physical abilities, and what kind of sports you can do, you may have any sporting activity that is suitable.

It's okay to decide to exercise indoors or outdoors, alone, or together with other people. In fact, to help with the recovery process, you can move a lot by doing daily activities, such as taking pet walks, gardening, or trying to climb stairs at home or in public places.

Even so, you are not advised to be active in activities immediately and move too much after being discharged from the hospital. Therefore, try to consult an expert who handles your condition first, what activities can be done.

There are several exercise options your doctor and medical team may allow you to do. For example walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. If possible, you are also allowed to exercise ongym,playing team sports, or dancing.

Exercises like pilates and yoga are great for helping to increase your body's flexibility after a stroke. Therefore, consulting your doctor and the medical team about the types of exercise you are allowed to do apart from stroke exercises is very important because the condition of each patient after having a stroke can be very different.