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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are exercise recommendations for stroke survivors?

    Related Topics
    Fitness and Sports Medicine Neurology Stroke
    After surviving a stroke what types of exercises may help me with recovery?
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  • Gail Rogers

    Speech Pathologist

    Gail's passionate interest in working in the area of voice, communication & swallowing challenges developed after working as Speech and Language Pathologist with many different clientele in various … View Profile

    These are individual recommendations according to individual situations which can only to be prescribed by a neuro-physiotherapist.

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    Zac Jefcoate

    Exercise Physiologist

    Zac Jefcoate is the owner of Exzac Health Solutions. He was one of three accredited exercise physiologist practicing in G.P super clinics in Western Australia. … View Profile

    This is a very broad question. It depends on if you have got hemiparesis or hemiplaysia. Do you have one side of your body not working? Do you have any paralysis on that side? Or, do you have a delayed response, in terms of pushing and picking up things. So to answer that question in, I guess two stages, number one, if you have a stroke that has caused you to lose sensation, to lose function of one part of your arm the only thing you can really do with that, or for that, is to use your other part of your body, the opposite side, what they're looking at is exercise. So, if you've injured your left arm, and it doesn't work, use your right arm to then guide your left arm to do things. Some people have varying degrees of dysfunction so, depending on what your degree is, will depend on what you can and can't do, with a stroke.

    Doing exercises that will help you with coordination. Stepping, walking, picking things up, pushing things. Using those types of exercises to help recondition your brain. Number two, from there you progress into land based exercises. For example, getting up out of a chair and using your arm, assisted with bands. And then, from there, looking at some pool based exercises to help you move better. Depending on your progression, looking at some light weight based or rehab band based type of exercises. Once again, without knowing your condition or how you've been affected that's the general way you would progress in terms of exercise. What you don't want to do is do anything that should require too much (A) lifting (B) quick movements and (C) anything that causes any stress. For example, walking or running, or doing anything with high intensity. Or, even doing more than two or three things at once. You've got to really just take a step back and try and do the little things well before you start then progressing to the big movements.

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    Davide de Sousa

    Physiotherapist

    Interests and expertise in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Currently conducting research in Stroke rehabilitation. View Profile

    I agree with Gail. You really need to be assessed by a Neurological Physiotherapist before any advice regarding exercise can be given. A Stroke can affect a person in so many different ways, therefore any exercise recommendations need to be tailored to specific problems taking into account past or current medical history, cognition (thinking ability), communication, social situation etc. A Neuro Physiotherapist will assess you and provide you with evidence based treatment which includes exercise, but may also include orthoses (splints), electrical stimulation or whatever else is appropriate to help you achieve your goals. The Australian Physiotherapy Association is a good place to find these types of Physios who have specialised training above their basic training to bear the ‘Neuro’ or ‘Specialist’ title. 

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    Phillip Fay

    Occupational Therapist (OT)

    The general rules of exercise apply to all including stroke survivors .You will need to discuss starting general exercise with your GP who will have information about the reason for your stroke .

    For specific recovery exercise and activities consult an Allied Heath Professional experienced in treating brain Injury like an Occupational Therapist who can assist with recovery of Arm use,mobility and everyday activities that you can't do or find difficult.

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