Exercise Rehabilitation for Stroke: The Essential Role of Physiotherapy in Recovery

Stroke is defined as a sudden and local neurological syndrome due to cerebrovascular disease. In more simple words, a sudden occlusion of blood flow to a particular part of the brain. The part of the brain that is impacted, dictates what will be affected, and the severity of these impairments. Depending on the type & severity of the stroke, a stroke can have a long-lasting effect on mobility, strength, and coordination (dexterity). In this article, we will explore the essential role of tailored exercise programs in stroke rehabilitation.

Understanding Stroke and Its Impact on Movement

There are 2 types of stroke: ischemic & haemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke is an acute blocking of the blood vessels supplying the brain and a haemorrhagic stroke is when there is an acute rupturing of the blood vessels supplying the brain. 

The typical effect on movement is a loss of strength and / or loss of coordination (dexterity). The impairments can affect both the arms and legs. A strength impairment can be obvious to observe, with everyday tasks like standing up, walking speed and lifting a kettle being affected, whereas coordination can be more subtle to identify. 

Signs of impaired coordination include overshooting & undershooting, decomposition of movement / breaking down of patterning, inability to perform rapid movements, and poor balance. 

These impairments can also have a significant impact on mental health, often leading to frustration, anger, and motivation challenges. These factors are often overlooked and must be considered and addressed during rehabilitation.  

The Role of Physiotherapy in Stroke Recovery

Exercise rehabilitation is necessary in early and long-term stroke recovery. The role of exercise therapy is to improve strength & coordination, whilst management psychological barriers to rehabilitation. 

During an initial assessment with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, specific strength and coordination impairments will be identified, then specific exercises & strategies will be prescribed to address these. Gradual and regular progression of these exercise programs are also essential to maximise recovery and minimise complications. 

Key Physiotherapy Techniques Used in Stroke Rehabilitation

Strength Training

As mentioned above, loss of strength is a debilitating impairment in stroke patients. Targeted strength training aims to increase power, which will transfer to everyday tasks like standing up from sitting, lifting objects, and increasing walking speed. 

Coordination / Dexterity Training

Loss of coordination can severely effect function during day-to-day tasks. Usual activities that require finer motor skills like putting a belt on, tying up hair and using a knife & fork can become very difficult. Specific coordination exercises aim to improve sequencing, accuracy, and timing of movements to aid with day-to-day tasks. 

Balance and Gait (Walking) Training

Loss of balance and an altered walking gait is a result of both a loss of strength and coordination. This impairment leads to being a falls risk. Specific exercises & manual guidance techniques can be used to improve walking & balance, and as a result reduce falls risk. 

Social and Mental Benefits of Physiotherapy and Exercise Rehabilitation

As mentioned briefly, the benefits of exercise rehab aren’t only physical, but also mental and social. With improved physical function and regular exercise, this leads to an increase in mobility, which then leads to increased participation, interaction, and reduced anxiety. Ultimately leading to increased independence. 

The Road to Recovery: What to Expect

Stroke rehabilitation is a long process and varies in length, intensity, and frequency depending on each individual’s case. Some may show signs of recovery in the first few months of rehabilitation, whilst others may take over a year to begin to show signs of improvement. With this said, consistency and repetition is key – continuing rehabilitation with a home exercise program, in conjunction with regular updates with your exercise physiologist / physiotherapist help maximise long term outcomes. 

How to Get Started with Physiotherapy for Stroke Recovery

To start your recovery journey, an initial assessment with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist is needed. During this consultation they will measure & identify specific impairments and begin your targeted rehabilitation immediately. 

Along with physical impairments, your physiotherapist or exercise physologist will discuss your short & long term goals, social environment, and simply just get to know you as a person – which all leads to a more targeted rehabilitation program & plan. 

Conclusion

In all, physiotherapy & exercise rehabilitation is an essential element of stroke recovery, helping patients with mobility, strength and independence. While the recovery process can take a long time, with the right support / team around you, stroke survivors can make remarkable progress. 

Thank you for reading through this article, and please do not hesitate to reach out to use if you have any questions regarding your diagnosis and rehabilitation, we would be happy to organise a phone call / meeting of your choice.