The fact is, choosing between home health vs outpatient therapy requires a number of considerations. But don’t worry! We’re here to be your friendly guide, helping you understand the nuances of each option so you can make the best choice for your rehab journey.

Understanding Neurological Rehabilitation: A Personalized Approach

Neurological rehabilitation or neurorehab is a specialized field focused on helping individuals improve and/or recover lost functions and improve their quality of life after a neurological event.  This can include events such as a TBI, stroke, spinal cord injury, and more.

Therapy will often address specific challenges like:

• Motor Skill Impairments: Weakness, paralysis, difficulty with coordination and balance.
• Cognitive Deficits: Problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functions.
• Communication Difficulties: Aphasia (difficulty with speaking and understanding language), dysarthria (speech articulation problems).
• Swallowing Issues (Dysphagia): Difficulty eating and drinking safely.
• Sensory Changes: Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation.
• Vision Issues: Visual neglect, visual field deficits, and eye movement disorders
• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and personality changes.

Both home health and outpatient therapy can play vital roles in addressing these challenges. However deciding between home health vs outpatient therapy will differ from person to person as each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your individual circumstances.

Let’s take a look at each and then we will dive into some of the key differences between home health vs outpatient therapy.

Home Health: Therapy in the Comfort of Home

Imagine receiving specialized neurological rehabilitation therapies without the stress and fatigue of traveling to appointments. Home health brings skilled professionals – physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and sometimes nurses and social workers – directly to your home. 

This can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of recovery or for individuals with significant mobility limitations.

Benefits of Home Health

• Convenience and Reduced Travel Burden: Eliminates the physical and logistical challenges of getting to appointments, which can be significant for survivors and their family members/caregivers after a neurological event.
• Familiar and Comfortable Environment: Therapy takes place in your own living space, allowing therapists to tailor interventions to your specific home environment and challenges. You don’t need to translate skills learned in therapy to your home environment because you originally learned those skills in your own home.
• Early Intervention: Therapists can often initiate treatment sooner after hospital discharge, facilitating a smoother transition and quicker start to recovery.
• Personalized and Functional Therapy: Therapists can directly address challenges you face in your daily routines within your home, such as navigating stairs, using kitchen utensils, or communicating with family.
• Caregiver Involvement and Education: Therapists can easily involve family members and caregivers in sessions, teaching them strategies to support your ongoing recovery.
• Assessment of Home Safety and Accessibility: Therapists can identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to prevent falls, improve safety and promote independence at home.
• Reduced Exposure to Illness: Minimizes the risk of exposure to infections, which can be a concern for individuals with weakened immune systems.
• May Provide Increased Support: Many survivors receiving home health therapy also have home nurses and aides who can further support recovery and assist with self-care tasks.

Potential Considerations for Home Health

• Limited Access to Specialized Equipment: While therapists bring necessary equipment, the range may be less extensive than in a dedicated outpatient clinic.
• Potential for Distractions: The home environment can sometimes present distractions that might not be present in a clinical setting.
• Less Opportunity for Social Interaction with Peers: You have fewer opportunities to interact with others undergoing similar recovery journeys compared to outpatient settings.
• Intensity and Duration May Vary: The frequency and duration of home health visits might be more limited by insurance and staffing constraints.
• Insurance May Limit Access: Many insurance companies, including Medicare, require you to be “homebound” in order to receive home health services. Therefore, if you do not have a significant mobility impairment or other condition which limits your ability to leave your home, your insurance may not cover home health therapy sessions. 

Outpatient Therapy: Focused Rehabilitation in a Clinical Setting

Outpatient therapy involves you traveling to a specialized clinic, rehabilitation center, or hospital outpatient department for scheduled therapy sessions. Generally, these facilities have a wider array of specialized equipment and a team of therapists with focused expertise in neurological rehabilitation.

Benefits of Outpatient Therapy:

• Access to Specialized Equipment and Technology: Clinics often have advanced equipment for gait training, balance exercises, cognitive retraining, and communication therapy.
• Dedicated and Stimulating Environment: Clinics specifically design the setting for rehabilitation to minimize distractions and promote focus.
• Opportunity for Social Interaction and Peer Support: Interacting with other individuals undergoing neurological rehabilitation can provide motivation, encouragement, and a sense of community.
• Interdisciplinary Team Approach: Outpatient centers often have a team of therapists (PT, OT, ST) working collaboratively under one roof, facilitating seamless communication and coordinated care.
• Intensive Therapy Programs: Outpatient settings may offer more intensive therapy schedules, which can be beneficial for accelerating recovery.
• Focus on Specific Rehabilitation Goals: Therapists can tailor therapy to focus on specific functional goals, such as returning to driving, work, or hobbies.
• Transition to Long-Term Wellness: Outpatient centers often provide resources and programs for ongoing fitness and wellness after the initial rehabilitation phase.

Potential Considerations for Outpatient Therapy:

• Travel Burden and Fatigue: Getting to and from appointments can be physically and logistically challenging, especially in the early stages of recovery.
• Less Individualized Home-Based Strategies: The direct application to your specific home environment might be less emphasized.
• Potential for Higher Costs: Depending on insurance and the frequency of visits, outpatient therapy might have higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Exposure to Illness: Traveling to and being in a healthcare setting can increase the risk of exposure to infections.

Home Health vs Outpatient Therapy: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing What’s Right for You?

The best choice between home health and outpatient therapy for your neurological rehabilitation depends on a multitude of individual factors. Here are some crucial questions to consider:

1. Your Current Functional Abilities and Mobility

This is often the most immediate and critical factor influencing the initial choice.

Are you able to leave your home safely and comfortably? 

For individuals with significant motor impairments, such as hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), severe balance issues, or the need for assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers, leaving the home for appointments can be a major undertaking. 

Home health eliminates the logistical hurdles and physical strain of travel, allowing you to focus your energy on therapy itself. It also allows therapists to directly observe and address mobility challenges within your actual living environment.

Do you require assistance with transportation? 

Even if you have the physical capability to leave your home, do you rely on family members, friends, or specialized transportation services? Outside of motor impairments, it is vital to consider cognitive challenges and visual deficits when determining whether you can safely and independently drive or navigate to a therapy clinic. If you need assistance getting to therapy, the frequency and feasibility of outpatient appointments can be significantly impacted. 

Coordinating schedules and managing transportation logistics can add significant stress to both you and your caregivers. Consider the potential for fatigue associated with travel, which can detract from your energy levels for therapy sessions. 

Remember, home health will generally be covered by insurance companies if you are normally unable to leave your home due to significant challenges. However, if you are able to navigate the community easily and do not have a medical condition requiring limited exposure, your insurance will likely only cover outpatient therapy services.

2. The Severity and Specificity of Your Neurological Deficits

The nature and extent of your neurological impairments will significantly influence the type and intensity of therapy needed. Some questions to consider include:

Do you primarily need help with basic daily living skills and navigating your home environment?

If your primary challenges involve activities like dressing, bathing, eating, and moving safely within your home, home health occupational therapy can be particularly beneficial. Therapists can assess your home environment, identify barriers, and teach you adaptive strategies and techniques using your own belongings. This direct application to your daily life can lead to more immediate and functional improvements.

Do you require access to specialized equipment for gait training, balance, or cognitive retraining?

Outpatient clinics often have a wider array of advanced equipment that may not be feasible to bring into a home setting. This could include body-weight supported treadmills for gait retraining, sophisticated balance platforms, virtual reality systems for cognitive exercises, and specialized communication devices. If your recovery requires this type of technology, outpatient therapy may be necessary. 

Of note, if you have self-care concerns and significant mobility challenges, it may be beneficial to begin with home health therapy, then transition to outpatient therapy as your mobility improves. This can allow you to access both the benefits of home health, and the specialized equipment and interactions that outpatient therapy provides. However, unless another significant medical change occurs, individuals usually are not qualified to transition from outpatient therapy back to home health.

What are your primary rehabilitation goals?

Are your primary goals focused on regaining independence in your home, or are you aiming to return to specific activities outside the home, such as driving, work, or hobbies? While home health can address foundational skills, outpatient therapy might be better suited for more advanced, goal-oriented rehabilitation that requires specialized equipment or simulated environments (e.g., a mock kitchen or driving simulator).

3. Your Support System and Home Environment

The level of support you have at home and the characteristics of your living space play a crucial role in the success of both home health and your overall recovery. Some questions to ask when when it comes to home health vs outpatient therapy in this context include:

Do you have family or caregivers who can actively participate in your home-based therapy?

In home health, family members or caregivers can be directly involved in therapy sessions, learning techniques to assist with exercises, implement safety strategies, and reinforce learned skills between visits. This active participation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of therapy and promote carryover into daily routines.

While this type of caregiver training and involvement is possible in outpatient therapy sessions, it may not be as intensive. 

If you lack a strong support system at home, the benefits of direct caregiver involvement during home health therapy sessions may be limited.

Is your home environment conducive to therapy exercises and safety modifications?

A cluttered or inaccessible home environment can hinder therapy progress and increase the risk of falls. Home health therapists can assess your home for safety hazards and recommend modifications, but the feasibility and extent of these modifications will depend on your living situation.

Outpatient clinics provide a controlled and safe environment specifically designed for rehabilitation.

4. Your Insurance Coverage and Financial Resources

As always, the financial financial aspect of healthcare is always a consideration. Here are a few things to consider when comparing home health vs outpatient therapy.

What are your insurance benefits for home health and outpatient therapy?

Coverage for both types of services can vary widely depending on your insurance plan (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance). Some plans may have limitations on the number of visits, require prior authorization, or have different copays or deductibles for home health versus outpatient services. Many insurance companies require you to be homebound in order to cover home health therapy services. It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage details for both options.

Consider the potential costs associated with transportation to outpatient appointments.

Even if the therapy itself is covered, the cost of gas, parking, public transportation, or specialized transport services can add up, especially with frequent appointments. Home health eliminates these transportation costs.

5. Your Personal Preferences and Motivation

Your own feelings and attitudes towards your recovery environment can significantly impact your engagement and progress in therapy. Consider the following tradeoffs between home health and outpatient rehab.

Do you prefer the comfort and privacy of your own home, or do you find a dedicated clinical setting more motivating?

Some individuals feel more relaxed and receptive to therapy in the familiar surroundings of their home. Others find the dedicated and structured environment of a clinic to be more conducive to focus and motivation. Consider where you feel you would be most comfortable and likely to actively participate in your rehabilitation.

Do you value the social interaction and peer support offered in an outpatient setting?

For some, interacting with other individuals who are also on their recovery journey can provide a sense of community, encouragement, and shared experience. This peer support can be a powerful motivator. Home health, while providing interaction with therapists, lacks this peer-to-peer connection.

6. The Stage of Your Recovery

Over time, your needs and abilities will change as you progress throughout the recovery process. As a result, the most appropriate therapy setting may change accordingly. Consider the following differences between home health and outpatient therapy based on your stage of recovery.

Early Stages: Immediately following a stroke or brain injury, individuals often experience significant physical and cognitive limitations. 

Home health can provide essential early intervention, focusing on basic functional skills, safety in the home, and adapting to new challenges in a familiar environment. The reduced travel burden is also a significant advantage during this phase.

Later Stages: As you regain strength, mobility, and cognitive function, you may benefit from the more intensive and specialized therapies offered in an outpatient setting. 

Outpatient clinics can provide access to advanced equipment and a wider range of therapeutic approaches to address more complex rehabilitation goals, such as returning to work, driving, or participating in leisure activities.

7. Recommendations from Your Healthcare Team:

​​Your doctors, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and therapists are the experts in your specific situation. Therefore, their recommendations should be a major factor in any decision you make.

They will assess your neurological deficits, functional abilities, and overall medical condition to determine which setting they believe will be most effective and safe for your rehabilitation. They can also explain the rationale behind their recommendations and address any concerns you may have. 

Of course don’t hesitate to ask questions and actively participate in the discussion about your care plan.

Remember, by carefully considering all of these key factors and having open communication with your healthcare team, you can make a well-informed decision!

Home Health AND Outpatient Therapy: It’s Not Necessarily an Either/Or

It’s important to remember that the choice between home health and outpatient therapy isn’t always an either/or situation. Many individuals benefit from a continuum of care that involves both settings at different stages of their recovery.

As an example, this might look something like:

• Initial Phase (Home Health): Focus on establishing basic functional skills, ensuring safety at home, and providing early intervention when mobility is limited.
• Transition Phase (Combination): Although uncommon, you may be able to utilize both home and clinic-based services simultaneously. As you become more mobile, you might transition to a combination of outpatient clinic-based therapy for accessing specialized equipment and more intensive interventions and outpatient therapy in your home for addressing specific home-based challenges. In this case, since both are technically considered outpatient services, insurance likely would not require you to be homebound to receive these home-based services..
• Later Phase (Outpatient Therapy): As you progress, outpatient therapy can become the primary focus for achieving higher-level functional goals and transitioning back to community activities.

The goal is to figure out what best fits your situation and recovery plan!

Home Health vs Outpatient Therapy: Informed Decisions Lead to Progress

Choosing between home health and outpatient therapy is a personal decision—one that depends on your unique situation, preferences, and goals. By understanding the strengths of each option and actively engaging with your healthcare team, you’re taking a powerful step toward reclaiming your independence and quality of life. 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice your needs, and advocate for the path that feels right for you. When you’re informed and involved, you’re not just choosing a therapy—you’re choosing progress.

The post Home Health vs. Outpatient Therapy After Stroke or Brain Injury: What Is The Better Option? appeared first on Flint Rehab.

This can allow individuals to participate in therapy despite transportation concerns and other barriers, such as time constraints, resource limitations, geographical challenges, or compliance with traditional therapy models. 

But the real question is does stroke telerehabilitation work? In other words, what exactly does stroke telerehabilitation include and is it enough for the needs of stroke survivors? Let’s take a look!

Jump to a section:

What is Stroke Telerehabilitation?
Benefits of Stroke Telerehabilitation
Drawbacks of Stroke Telerehabilitation
Telerehabilitation for Stroke Recovery
Making The Most of Your Tools at Home
Telerehabilitation for Stroke Survivors: Does it Work?
Telerehabilitation Research in Post-Stroke Therapy
Katy’s Recovery Story

What is Stroke Telerehabilitation?  

Telerehabilitation involves delivering traditional rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, using virtual technology. Starting around the time live video-conferencing became available in the 1990s, telerehabilitation gradually gained popularity.

In 1997, there were at least 3 telerehabilitation programs. Since then, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation has greatly expanded.  In fact, one study found that nearly 50,000 individuals in the US used telerehabilitation between 2020-2021. Some of these may be as simple as having regular checkins with your therapist over video call. However, other programs go as far to provide direction for exercise and more over the call.

Yet, stroke telerehabilitation doesn’t change the unique needs of stroke survivors trying to recover. Each patient is unique, and their treatment should be, too. Telerehabilitation’s virtual approach enables stroke survivors to receive remote rehabilitation therapy right in their own homes, which can allow them to practice tasks and exercises using tools in their home environment. 

A teletherapist will customize therapy according to each patient’s individual needs using the tools available to them. To optimize recovery outcomes, therapists will often focus on repetitive practice. This boosts neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Individuals often find telerehabilitation an engaging and effective way to pursue recovery after stroke.

Benefits of Stroke Telerehabilitation

Compared with conventional rehabilitation, which often occurs in a clinic setting, telerehabilitation has many benefits. For example, since telerehabilitation can be completed at home, concerns regarding transportation are eliminated. This can help improve adherence to therapy which can improve functional outcomes through a variety of methods including:

• Easy to integrate into daily routine
• Overcomes geographic barriers to healthcare access
• Efficient service delivery
• Allows for realistic practice of skills in the individual’s home environment

Many therapy clinics try to simulate the home environment when practicing tasks such as getting in and out of bed or meal preparation. Rather than trying to carry over skills learned in a clinic to their home environments, individuals receiving stroke telerehabilitation are able to use their own beds, kitchens, living areas, and possessions to practice these tasks.

This, in addition to its increased accessibility, can make telerehabilitation very appealing.

Drawbacks of Stroke Telerehabilitation

Although there are many advantages of using telerehabilitation for stroke recovery, there are a few drawbacks. Potential challenges individuals may face with telerehabilitation include:

• Lack of equipment, software, and space for home-based exercises
• Insufficient internet capacity and/or speed
• Inability to provide hands on guidance, especially important for correcting form and addressing fall risks and other safety concerns
• Limited technology skills, especially among older adults

While these drawbacks are not applicable to everyone, they may be problematic for some individuals considering telerehabilitation.

Telerehabilitation for Stroke Recovery

Many stroke survivors find telerehabilitation engaging, rewarding and motivating. Flexible scheduling can make therapy appointments fit easily into the patient’s day, while working from the comfort of home allows for participation in realistic functional activities.

Examples of telerehabilitation interventions for stroke recovery include:

• Using a device, such as the MusicGlove, to improve hand function, followed by practicing an activity like grasping dishes and silverware with the affected hand to set the table. This integrates the motivational aspects of technology alongside functional practice in the patient’s own kitchen using their own dinnerware.
• Practicing leg range of motion exercises, followed by working on moving from sitting at the edge of the bed to lying down. Practicing these activities in the patient’s own home environment can allow therapists to visualize the situation, work through any challenges, and provide personalized feedback.
• Individuals may work on improving language skills through a virtual reality program with their therapist, then practice using these skills in a conversation with a family member, with the therapist providing cues as needed. If there are areas the patient continues to have trouble with, the therapist can plan to present similar situations through the virtual reality program during the next therapy session.

These examples make it easy to see how telerehabilitation can certainly have advantages. The opportunity to practice real-life scenarios in your own home with immediate therapist feedback can be very beneficial. Rather than practicing a specific skill at a clinic and hoping to use it at home, telerehabilitation allows for real-time practice and problem solving, promoting improved function.

Making The Most of Your Tools at Home

Stroke telerehabilitation uses stroke rehab equipment and technology such as neurorehabilitation devices, robotics, or virtual reality. These tools can provide real-time information that helps your rehabilitation team monitor and track your progress and adjust treatment plans.

Stroke recovery requires consistency and high repetition. Therefore, therapists may use high-tech neurorehabilitation devices so patients can experience an optimized blend of technology and personalized therapy. These devices, such as Flint Rehab’s FitMi home therapy, provide immediate feedback to patients and therapists. Some devices also use smart technology to automatically adapt to the individual’s skill level, providing a just right challenge even as skills improve. 

Between telerehab sessions, stroke recovery apps can help you get your daily therapy dose while keeping your recovery regimen fun and engaging to encourage consistency. Your therapy team will encourage you to practice your home exercise program between therapy sessions, and apps can be an especially helpful and fun way to do so.

Does Telerehabilitation for Stroke Survivors Work?

You may think telerehabilitation for post-stroke care is new, but it came into the limelight in 1999, and patients have been using telerehab for over a decade. Telerehabilitation appointments are easy to set up, giving patients improved access to rehab professionals, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists. 

Shifting the focus to home-based therapy helps to ensure that rehabilitation efforts are relevant to the patient’s real-life needs and goals. During a telerehabilitation visit, therapists review and update exercises with the patients.  At that time, the patient and therapist discuss progress, review exercises, and demonstrate and perform the exercises or activities together. Telerehabilitation programs are increasingly focused on helping patients achieve functional outcomes, such as performing everyday activities in their homes, rather than just improving affected skills.

But you want to know: Does telerehabilitation really work for stroke recovery? Let us outline what the research shows!

Post Stroke Therapy – What the Research Says About Stroke Telerehabilitation

Although it sounds intriguing, many wonder whether telerehabilitation really works for stroke recovery. According to researchers, stroke telerehabilitation can be equally or even more effective than face-to-face care.A review of 13 randomized controlled trials revealed that telerehabilitation may be as effective as usual care for improving motor function, ability to perform activities of daily living, independence, satisfaction, quality of life, and other important outcomes after stroke. 

Therefore, you can feel confident that telerehabilitation is backed by research and can help you make meaningful progress in your stroke recovery, just like in-person rehab sessions.

The following sections outline additional areas of research regarding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation after stroke.

Research in Motor Function

Recent studies highlight that activity-based telerehabilitation works just as well to achieve improvements in arm motor function. While there are fewer reviews regarding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for lower body function, some studies suggest telerehabilitation may have positive impacts on mobility, lower extremity impairment, strength, and goal attainment.

In a recent systematic review, telerehabilitation is shown to have either better or equal effects on motor function, higher cortical function, and depression in patients, with significant differences observed in 8 out of 22 studies compared with control groups.

Research in Cognition and Language

Studies have also found that telerehabilitation can improve cognitive outcomes, such as working memory and processing speed, perhaps even more so than conventional therapy. For those with post-stroke aphasia, telerehabilitation may also promote language skills, such as auditory comprehension, naming accuracy, and functional communication skills.

Research in Patient Satisfaction

Research shows that individuals are equally satisfied with telerehabilitation as in-person therapy, especially because of the added convenience. Moreover, the comfort of home-based sessions also strengthens adherence to stroke recovery treatment. Patient satisfaction is key in maintaining motivation, compliance to treatment and stamina in the recovery process after a stroke.

Caregiver Benefits

As a stroke survivor, having a supportive caregiver by your side can make a world of difference on your journey to recovery. Telerehabilitation programs don’t just benefit you – research shows they also help your caregivers. Research reports that family caregivers benefit from telerehabilitation because it helps improve caregiver burden, knowledge, and competence.

While there is still more research that can be done to solidify the effectiveness of stroke telerehabilitation, many current studies report positive results.  

In the following section, we’ll share an inspiring story of Katy—a reminder that meaningful recovery is possible after stroke with determination and the proper support. We hope Katy’s tale of resilience will motivate you to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Katy’s Recovery Story with Stroke Telerehab

We understand that recovering from a stroke can feel overwhelming at times. But you don’t have to go through this challenging experience alone. Many stroke survivors before you have traveled this road and reclaimed their independence through perseverance and the proper care.

Reading their inspiring stories can provide motivation and hope for your journey. Whether your victory is opening a cabinet to cook for your family or climbing the stairs to sleep in your own bed, every achievement is worth celebrating.

Here is Katy’s stroke recovery story:

Katy is a resilient stroke survivor committed to regaining independence in her daily life. Faced with the challenge of using her affected arm, Katy embarked on a journey of recovery with the support of her occupational therapist via stroke telerehabilitation. Over time, Katy tackled a simple yet significant goal—opening her kitchen drawer using her affected arm. With consistency and repetition, she practiced and translated these movements through virtual guidance into her routine, marking a triumph for her and telerehabilitation methodology. 

This achievement underscored a personal victory for Katy and shows the potential of telerehabilitation in empowering stroke survivors on their path to independence.

Understanding Stroke Telerehabilitation 

Telerehabilitation marks a profound shift in how survivors pursue recovery. Its effectiveness is backed by science, celebrated by patients, and driven by the human touch of expert therapists guiding each session virtually. Deciding if telerehab is right for you depends on a few factors such as your comfort with technology and the type of interaction you prefer with your therapists.

Talk with your doctor to find out more about whether telerehabilitation may be right for you

Additional Resources
Remote Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients: What Sets it Apart? 
Why “One More Time” Matters in Stroke Rehab

The post Stroke Telerehabilitation: What Is It and Does it Really Work? appeared first on Flint Rehab.

However, the intensity and duration required for substantial improvement can be difficult for many stroke survivors to maintain.

A Groundbreaking Discovery at UCLA

Researchers at UCLA Health have recently achieved a breakthrough that could change how stroke recovery is approached. Their findings, detailed in a recent article published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature Communications, describe a drug for stroke that is capable of replicating the positive effects of physical rehabilitation in mice. 

Simply put, this drug helps by reconnecting brain pathways that are disrupted after a stroke. But what exactly does that mean?

Let’s break it down for you!

Understanding Stroke’s Impact on the Brain

In the study, the research team sought to understand precisely how physical rehabilitation aids recovery after a stroke. In other words, why does physical rehabilitation actually help regain function?

They discovered something critical: stroke doesn’t only affect the specific area where damage occurs, but it also causes widespread disruption of neural connections throughout the brain. These neural connections can affect how our brain communicates with different parts of the body to carry out a variety of functions.

The Role of Parvalbumin Neurons

One key type of neuron affected by stroke is known as a parvalbumin neuron. These neurons play an essential role in creating gamma oscillations, which are brain rhythms critical for coordinating precise movements and actions. 

When stroke disrupts these neurons, the brain loses its ability to produce these crucial gamma rhythms, resulting in impaired movement control. Actions like walking, gripping objects, or even standing become challenging due to a loss of coordination and rhythm in brain signaling.

How Physical Rehabilitation Helps

Interestingly, the UCLA researchers observed that successful physical rehabilitation helps restore these gamma oscillations. Rehabilitation works by repairing the damaged connections within the brain, essentially re-establishing communication between neurons. 

As these connections are rebuilt, movements gradually become smoother and more coordinated again.

Developing a Drug to Mimic Rehabilitation

With this knowledge, the research team aimed to identify potential drugs that could directly stimulate parvalbumin neurons. The idea being that they could replicate the beneficial effects of physical therapy without requiring the intense physical activity that many stroke survivors struggle to maintain. In doing so, this could potentially help restore communication between neurons which would lead to increased function.

Introducing DDL-920

Among the tested drugs, one stood out: DDL-920. This drug, developed by Varghese John’s laboratory at UCLA, specifically targets and stimulates parvalbumin neurons. 

In their studies with mice, DDL-920 showed remarkable effectiveness. It significantly improved the mice’s ability to control their movements, mirroring the positive outcomes usually seen after rigorous physical therapy sessions.

Why is this Discovery Significant?

This discovery is significant for a number of reasons. However, there are two reasons this stands out with regard to stroke rehabilitation.

Revealing Stroke Rehabilitation’s Mechanism

Firstly, this discovery clearly shows the specific pathways and processes through which rehabilitation helps the brain heal after a stroke. In other words, we know why rehabilitation works.

Knowing exactly how and why physical rehabilitation works allows scientists and medical professionals to develop more targeted and effective therapies.

Combining Therapies for Better Recovery

Secondly, this breakthrough raises the exciting possibility of combining stroke drug-based therapy with traditional physical therapy. Together, these treatments might significantly enhance the effectiveness and speed of recovery for stroke patients, providing new hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Looking Forward: The Next Steps

While the discovery of DDL-920 represents a significant step forward, it’s important to acknowledge that this research is still in its early stages. Further studies, including clinical trials in humans, are necessary to confirm the drug’s safety, effectiveness, and practicality as a treatment for stroke survivors.

Nevertheless, the future is bright. This innovative research from UCLA provides hope and optimism for stroke survivors and their families, potentially transforming the landscape of stroke recovery and rehabilitation practices.

The post UCLA Unveils First Drug to Replicate Stroke Rehab and Help Stroke Survivors Recover Movement appeared first on Flint Rehab.

This guide will walk you through several essential coordination exercises designed for stroke patients, helping to enhance your mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.

Understanding Coordination After a Stroke

A stroke can affect the brain’s ability to control movement, often leading to muscle weakness, loss of balance, and impaired hand-eye coordination. Depending on the severity and location of the stroke, individuals may experience challenges such as:

• Difficulty grasping objects after stroke
• Unsteady walking
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Limited control over fine motor skills

The goal of coordination exercises is to retrain the brain and body to work together effectively. This process, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to form new neural connections and improve motor function over time.

The exercises below serve as an introduction, providing a well-rounded look at just a few of the many coordination exercises that can promote recovery. However, depending on your specific condition, some of the exercises listed here may target areas of the body that were not affected, or may be too difficult or too easy.

Focus on exercises that target areas of the body affected by your stroke that are challenging, but still doable. A physical or occupational therapist can provide personalized guidance on which types of coordination exercises may be most beneficial for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the best coordination exercises for stroke recovery.

Upper Body Coordination Exercises for Stroke

1. Seated Shoulder Taps

Seated shoulder taps help improve arm control and stability by engaging the upper body and retraining muscle coordination. This exercise is simple yet effective in enhancing proprioception and movement awareness.

How to Do It:

• Sit in a sturdy chair with feet flat on the ground.
• Raise your right hand and tap your left shoulder.
• Lower your hand and repeat with the left hand to the right shoulder.
• Perform 10 repetitions per side.
• Use a mirror for visual feedback as needed

2. Tabletop Finger Taps

This exercise improves dexterity and finger coordination, which are essential for tasks such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils. Practicing controlled finger movements strengthens fine motor skills.

How to Do It:

• Sit at a table with your hands resting on the surface.
• Lift one finger at a time and tap it on the table.
• Move sequentially from the thumb to the pinky and back.
• Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

3. Arm Circles

Arm circles help improve shoulder mobility and coordination, allowing for better control of upper limb movements. This exercise also engages stabilizing muscles in the arms and shoulders.

How to Do It:

• Sit or stand with arms extended out to the sides.
• Make small circles with your arms.
• Gradually increase the circle size.
• Perform for 30 seconds in each direction.

For more upper body exercises that help with stroke recovery, check out our video Arm Exercises for Stroke Patients on YouTube!

Lower Body Coordination Exercises for Stroke

4. Seated Marching

Seated marching strengthens leg coordination and balance, making walking and standing easier. It also promotes better lower-body mobility.

How to Do It:

• Sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor.
• Lift one knee toward the chest and lower it.
• Alternate legs in a marching motion.
• Perform for 1-2 minutes.

5. Heel-to-Toe Walking

Heel-to-toe walking is excellent for improving balance after stroke as well as gait control. It strengthens the stabilizing muscles in the legs and improves walking confidence.

How to Do It:

• Stand upright and place one foot directly in front of the other, heel touching the toe.
• Take slow, controlled steps forward.
• Use a wall or support for balance if needed.
• Walk 10-15 steps in a straight line.

6. Ankle Circles

Ankle circles enhance flexibility and coordination in the ankles, which is crucial for maintaining balance and stability while walking.

How to Do It:

• Sit in a chair and lift one foot off the ground.
• Rotate the ankle in a circular motion.
• Perform 10 circles in each direction before switching feet.

For more lower body exercises that help with stroke recovery, check out our video Leg Exercises for Stroke Patients on YouTube!

Hand and Finger Coordination Exercises for Stroke

7. Finger-to-Nose Touch

Finger-to-nose touch is a classic coordination exercise that improves hand-eye coordination and motor control.

How to Do It:

• Extend one arm out to the side.
• Slowly bring the index finger to touch the nose.
• Extend the arm back out and repeat.
• Perform 10 repetitions per hand.
• Again, a mirror can be used to provide visual feedback if this is too challenging initially

8. Coin Pickups

Coin pickups strengthen fine motor skills and grip strength, which are essential for everyday tasks like handling small objects.

How to Do It:

• Place a few coins on a table.
• Use the affected hand to pick up each coin and place it in a cup.
• Repeat for 2-3 minutes.
• For a challenge, pick up 2-3 coins at a time, transferring each one into your hand while using just your index finger and thumb to pick up new coins.

9. Wrist Flexion and Extension

This exercise helps improve wrist control and dexterity, aiding in activities that require precise wrist movements.

How to Do It:

• Hold a small weight or resistance band.
• Slowly bend the wrist upward, then lower it back down.
• Perform 10-15 repetitions per hand.

For more hand exercises that help with stroke recovery, check out our video Arm Exercises for Stroke Patients on YouTube!

Balance and Stability Exercises for Stroke

10. Standing Weight Shifts

Standing weight shifts enhance weight distribution awareness and balance control, making standing and walking more stable.

How to Do It:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Shift weight slowly to one side, lifting the opposite foot slightly.
• Hold for a few seconds, then shift to the other side.
• Repeat 10 times per side.

11. One-Leg Stand

One-leg stands help strengthen stabilizing muscles and improve balance. This can be critical in helping reduce the risk of falls for post stroke survivors.

How to Do It:

• Stand next to a sturdy surface for support.
• Lift one foot off the ground and hold for 5-10 seconds.
• Switch legs and repeat.
• Perform 5-10 repetitions per leg.

12. Side-to-Side Stepping

Side-to-side stepping builds lateral balance and coordination, making side movements more controlled and stable.

How to Do It:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Step one foot to the side, then bring the other foot to meet it.
• Continue stepping side to side for 1-2 minutes.

Visual and Cognitive Coordination Exercises for Stroke

13. Ball Tracking

Ball tracking improves visual tracking and hand-eye coordination, which are crucial for handling objects and navigating environments.

How to Do It:

• Hold a small ball in one hand and toss it gently to the other.
• Focus on watching the ball as it moves.
• Continue for 1-2 minutes.

14. Letter or Number Tracing

Letter and number tracing helps combine cognitive and motor functions, improving fine motor skills and brain engagement.

How to Do It:

• Use a pen or finger to trace letters or numbers on a surface.
• Try writing in the air to challenge coordination.
• Perform for a few minutes daily.

Creating a Routine for Long-Term Progress

Consistency is key to neuroplasticity and improving coordination after a stroke. Here are a few tips to help you get in a routine and maintain progress:

• Perform exercises daily or several times a week.
• Gradually increase the difficulty level.
• Combine exercises to work on different muscle groups.
• Track improvements to stay motivated.
• Seek guidance from a physical or occupational therapist if needed.

Final Thoughts

Recovering coordination after a stroke requires patience and persistence. By incorporating these exercises into a daily routine, stroke survivors can regain mobility, balance, and fine motor skills.

Remember, always focus on slow, controlled movements and celebrate progress along the way. With dedication and the right approach, it is possible to enhance coordination and improve your overall quality of life as you continue to recover!

The post Coordination Exercises for Stroke Patients: 14 Expert Approved Ideas to Boost Recovery After Stroke appeared first on Flint Rehab.

But there’s good news.

With the right exercises and strategies you can improve your proprioception which in turn helps accelerate your recovery. In fact research shows the important role proprioception plays in recovery of function after a stroke. and return to normal daily activities.

In this article, we will define proprioception and explain its important role for recovery after stroke. In addition, we will outline a variety of strategies for stimulating the development of proprioceptive skills and the role new technology can play in rehabilitation of your proprioceptive areas of the brain.

Understanding Proprioception and Its Importance After Stroke

Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense joint position and limb movement. Because of proprioception, a person is  aware of their body’s position in space without the sense of touch, sight, or any other senses. For example, this is what allows you to touch your nose with your eyes closed or walk without constantly looking at your feet.

This sense is mediated  by sensory receptors in your muscles, joints, and skin that send signals to your brain about your body’s position in space. And when these signals are disrupted, as they often are after a stroke, it can lead to difficulties with:

• Balance and coordination: You might feel unsteady on your feet or have trouble coordinating your movements.
• Movement accuracy: Reaching for objects or stepping over obstacles is challenging without use of your vision. .
• Postural control: Maintaining good posture can be reduced, increasing your risk of falls.

Improving proprioception will result in more fluid movements.  In fact, research is revealing that stroke survivors with intact proprioception rehabilitate better than those with impaired proprioception.

How Stroke Affects Proprioception

A stroke can disrupt proprioception in several ways including:

• Damage to the brain: If the stroke affects areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information, it can impair proprioception.
• Sensory loss: Sensory receptors transmit signals to sensory processing areas of the brain.A stroke can also cause sensory loss from specific body parts, making it difficult to sense their position and movement.
• Weakness and paralysis: Muscle weakness or paralysis can also affect proprioception over time. As the brain receives less information from affected limbs, it atrophies and loses some capacity.

The severity of proprioceptive deficits varies depending on the location and extent of the stroke. However, even mild impairments can significantly impact daily activities.

Strategies to Improve Proprioception After Stroke

Improving proprioception after stroke requires consistent effort and targeted exercises. Here are just a few strategies that can put you on the right track to regain your body’s awareness:

1. Sensory Stimulation Exercises

These exercises can help improve proprioception after stroke by activating the proprioceptive receptors in your muscles, joints, and skin. This in turn can stimulate the sensory areas of your brain.

Some of these exercises include:

• Weight-bearing exercises: Leaning on the affected arm while standing at a table provides enhanced input to the wrist, elbow and even shoulder joints. The added weight leads to heightened stimulation of receptors and therefore increased signally to the cerebral cortex. Activities like standing, walking, and stair climbing provide your brain with valuable proprioceptive input. Start with supported exercises and gradually progress to unsupported ones as your balance improves.
• Joint compression: Applying gentle pressure to your joints similarly enhances stimulation to the cortex by engaging proprioceptors. You can do this by leaning on a table, squeezing a ball, or performing exercises with resistance bands with eyes closed.
• Texture discrimination: Try identifying different textures with your eyes closed. This can help retrain your brain to process sensory information from your hands and feet. 
• Rehabilitative Technology: Games that require use of your limb with little or no reliance on visual engagement are very good at stimulating this part of your brain. The Music Glove and Fit Mi pucks are affordable devices for this kind of stimulation. Similarly other rehabilitation robotic devices such as Armeo Spring have even more options to challenge you to move purposefully without visually tracking your limb.

2. Movement Awareness Exercises

Movement awareness exercises are another great way to improve proprioception after a stroke. Some examples of movement awareness exercises can include:

• Mirror therapy: Using a mirror to observe your movements can help your brain re-learn how to control your body. This technique is particularly helpful for individuals with visual neglect.
• Mental imagery: Visualizing yourself performing movements reinforces those areas of your brain that have lost some function from the stroke. Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking, reaching, or performing other activities.
• Tai chi and yoga: These practices involve slow, controlled movements that require some body awareness. This is an excellent way to develop and improve your proprioception in all limbs. Consequently many report improved balance and coordination.

3. Balance and Coordination Exercises

Improving balance and coordination goes a long way towards regaining functional independence. While there are numerous exercises for recovering balance after stroke, they can generally be broken into categories that include:

• Static balance exercises: Start by practicing standing on one leg or maintaining your balance on an unstable surface like a wobble board.
• Dynamic balance exercises: Progress to exercises that challenge your balance while moving, such as walking heel-to-toe or navigating an obstacle course.
• Coordination exercises: Activities like throwing and catching a ball or performing hand-eye coordination drills can help improve your motor skills while improving your balance.

Depending on your level of restriction you may want to start with balance and work your way to more dynamic based exercises.

4. Assistive Devices and Adaptive Strategies

Finally, if your loss of sensation is significant enough to limit your independence, assistive devices or adaptive strategies may be needed. Simply put, they can compensate for proprioceptive deficits and allow you to perform daily tasks more safely.

Some examples of assistive devices and adaptive strategies include:

• Orthotics and braces: AFO foot drop braces and other devices can provide support and stability, improving your balance and reducing your risk of falls.
• Canes and walkers: These mobility aids can help you maintain your balance while walking.
• Adaptive equipment: There are a long list of devices to make daily life easier for you. Ask your Occupational Therapist for advice, but be aware that adaptations of the home that facilitate your independence will not limit your opportunity for growth, but increase it. Consider how adaptive equipment, such as grab bars, dressing aids, and non-slip surfaces make your home environment safer so you are less hesitant to do more.

Tips for Maximizing Proprioceptive Recovery

Recovering proprioception requires doing exercises consistently. To maximize your recovery and regain control of your body, here are a few key tips to consider:

• Consistency is key: Make proprioceptive exercises a regular part of your rehabilitation program. Aim for 30 minutes of practice most days of the week.
• Start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially in the early stages of recovery. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activities as your proprioception improves.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Although quantity is important for stimulating the cerebral cortex enough so that it will adapt and grow, if you are targeting sensory stimulation, be sure you do the activities that increase joint awareness. Consult your therapist to make sure you learn well which are the best exercises for you. Pay close attention to your body’s signals and stop if you feel pain.
• Incorporate proprioceptive exercises into daily activities: Look for opportunities to challenge your proprioception. Close your eyes while using your hands for a task.  Practice your balance and coordination throughout the day. For example, try standing on one leg while brushing your teeth or reaching for objects out of sight.
• Work with a qualified therapist: A physical or occupational therapist can assess your proprioceptive deficits and develop a personalized exercise program to meet your needs.

Remember, everyone recovers at their own pace. Stay consistent and you will continue to improve and eventually reach your full potential.

The Role of Technology in Proprioceptive Rehabilitation

Technological advancements have led to the development of innovative tools for proprioceptive rehabilitation. Some are especially good at challenging you to move to a target with no visual guidance so that you are relying entirely on your proprioception to have success at the game. Some new technologies that can help improve your proprioception after stroke include:

• Virtual reality (VR): VR technology can create immersive environments that challenge balance and coordination in a safe and engaging way.
• Robotic devices: Robotic devices can assist with movement and provide feedback on performance, helping to improve proprioception.
• Wearable sensors: Wearable sensors can track movement and provide real-time feedback on body position, helping to increase awareness.
• Music-based Therapy: Game-like therapy that works on multiple levels including auditory cueing, rhythm, and timing to retrain the brain and body.

These technologies offer new possibilities for personalized and effective proprioceptive rehabilitation after stroke. Often they facilitate increased range and time spent moving both of which lead to more opportunities for neuroplasticity of the brain.

The Importance of Patience and Persistence

Recovering proprioception after a stroke takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if results come slowly. Focus on making consistent efforts, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. With the right support, strategies, and mindset, you can improve your proprioception and regain control of your body.

The post How To Improve Proprioception After Stroke: 4 Key Strategies and Tips appeared first on Flint Rehab.

This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of occupational therapy for stroke patients, the types of treatments offered, and what to expect during your recovery journey.

Jump to a section:
Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy After a Stroke
What to Expect During Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Interventions for Stroke Patients
Occupational Therapy Exercises for Stroke Patients
Tips for Maximizing Occupational Therapy Benefits
How To Find an Occupational Therapist

Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy After a Stroke

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals participate in their occupations. While this may include job skills, an “occupation” is considered anything that “occupies” your time. 

Therefore, occupational therapy for stroke patients focuses on improving participation in meaningful activities. This may include the activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Occupational therapists may also focus on improving the ability to work, drive, and even participate in leisure activities. 

Promoting participation and independence in valued activities may involve addressing the cognitive and/or physical effects of stroke through therapeutic exercises and activities. Furthermore, occupational therapists may introduce adaptive equipment or recommend ways to modify tasks or the environment to improve participation.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Stroke Patients

Occupational therapists work together with stroke patients to identify and achieve a variety of goals that contribute to their overall well-being and independence.  By addressing  physical, cognitive, and emotional barriers to participation, occupational therapists can help stroke survivors regain the ability to perform daily activities as safely and independently as possible.. Here’s a closer look at how OT helps:

• Improve physical function: This includes regaining strength, coordination, and balance through targeted exercises and activities. This might involve improving mobility, restoring range of motion, and enhancing fine and gross motor skills. Furthermore, OTs may also address sensation and visual changes.
• Enhance cognitive skills: This may include improving memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. These skills are crucial for daily functioning and safe community integration.
• Adapt daily tasks: OTs teach patients new ways to perform activities by using adaptive equipment or modifying their environment. This enables them to participate in daily routines and maintain their independence.
• Promote emotional well-being: Stroke can be emotionally challenging. OTs provide support and coping strategies to help patients adjust to their new reality and manage any emotional difficulties they may face.
• Facilitate community reintegration: OTs help patients return to work, driving, social activities, and hobbies they enjoyed before their stroke. This helps them regain a sense of normalcy and purpose.

By focusing on these areas, occupational therapy empowers stroke patients to live fulfilling lives and actively participate in their homes and communities.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention with occupational therapy after a stroke is crucial for optimizing recovery and maximizing functional outcomes. The sooner you begin therapy, the better your chances of regaining lost skills and adapting to your new reality.

Research indicates that starting OT soon after a stroke can lead to:

• Better functional outcomes: Early intervention can help prevent complications, promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself), and maximize your potential for recovery. In fact, the brain experiences a heightened level of neuroplasticity in the first few months following stroke, so early intervention can optimize gains in this timeframe.
• Faster return to independence: Addressing challenges early on can accelerate your progress and enable you to regain independence in daily activities sooner.
• Reduced long-term disability: Early OT can minimize the long-term impact of a stroke and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic disabilities.
• Improved wellbeing: Improving the ability to participate in valued daily activities early in the recovery process promotes an overall sense of wellbeing.

If you or a loved one has recently experienced a stroke, don’t delay seeking occupational therapy services. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

What to Expect During Occupational Therapy

Your occupational therapy journey will be tailored to your specific needs and goals, taking into account the severity of your stroke and your individual priorities. The process typically involves several key stages:

1. Evaluation: Your occupational therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your strengths, challenges, and goals. This may involve physical assessments, cognitive tests, and interviews to gather information about your daily routines and desired outcomes.
2. Goal Setting: You’ll collaborate with your therapist to set realistic and achievable goals for your recovery. These goals will guide your therapy sessions and provide a framework for measuring progress.
3. Intervention: Your therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, activities, adaptive strategies, and environmental modifications. This plan will evolve as you progress and achieve your goals.
4. Home Program: You’ll receive a home exercise program to continue practicing outside of therapy sessions. This is a crucial component of your recovery, as consistent practice is essential for optimizing neuroplasticity and maximizing gains.
5. Progress Monitoring: Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that your therapy remains challenging and relevant to your evolving needs.
6. Discharge Planning: When you’re ready to transition out of therapy, your therapist will provide recommendations for ongoing support and resources. This may include community programs, support groups, or adaptive equipment suppliers.

Throughout this process, your occupational therapist will act as your guide and advocate, supporting you in your journey toward recovery and independence.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Stroke Patients

Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques and approaches to address the unique needs of each stroke patient. These interventions are designed to be holistic, addressing both the physical and cognitive effects of a stroke. Some common interventions include:

1. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Retraining

ADLs are essential tasks we perform daily, and regaining the ability to perform these tasks is a primary focus of occupational therapy after a stroke. This involves breaking down tasks into smaller steps and gradually increasing complexity as the patient progresses. Here are some examples of ADL retraining:

• Dressing: Learning techniques to dress independently, even with limited mobility. This could involve using specific dressing techniques, adaptive clothing or assistive devices.
• Bathing and Grooming: Adapting bathing routines to enhance independence and safety and finding ways to manage grooming tasks. This might include practicing getting into and out of the shower, or using shower chairs, long-handled sponges, or modified toothbrushes.
• Toileting: Regaining independence with toileting activities. This may involve using assistive devices or modifying the bathroom environment with safety aids such as grab bars.
• Eating: Improving fine motor skills and coordination to eat without assistance. This might include using adaptive utensils or practicing specific eating techniques.

Regaining independence in ADLs is crucial for improving self-esteem and quality of life after a stroke.

2. Cognitive Rehabilitation

Cognitive rehabilitation focuses on improving cognitive skills affected by stroke. This often involves structured exercises and strategies to challenge and stimulate the brain. Here are some areas addressed in cognitive rehabilitation:

• Attention and Concentration: Using exercises and strategies to enhance focus and attention span. This might include computer-based programs, puzzles, or mindfulness techniques.
• Memory: Implementing techniques to improve memory recall and retention. This could involve memory games, organizational strategies, or assistive technology.
• Problem-Solving: Working through real-life scenarios to develop problem-solving skills. This might involve role-playing, simulations, or practical exercises.
• Visual-Spatial Skills: Practicing tasks that challenge visual perception and spatial reasoning. This could include puzzles, construction activities, or computer-based programs.

Since these skills are vital for everyday activities, occupational therapists may also practice affected activities as a way of monitoring progress. For example, if the patient is having trouble with cooking due to impaired memory and attention, the therapist may assess progress in these skills by asking them to gather the ingredients and follow instructructions to prepare a specific food item, providing supervision and cues as needed. 

By improving cognitive function, patients can enhance their safety, independence, and overall ability to participate in daily life.

3. Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Stroke often affects arm and hand function, leading to weakness, impaired coordination, and reduced sensation. Since the arms and hands are used in such a wide range of daily activities, addressing reduced upper extremity function is essential. Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques to address impaired arm and hand functions, including:

• Improve strength and range of motion: Through therapeutic exercises and activities. This might involve using weights, therapy putty, or resistance bands; or practicing functional tasks like reaching into an overhead cupboard or grasping silverware.
• Enhance fine motor skills: By practicing tasks that require precise hand movements. This could include manipulating small objects, using tweezers, or engaging in activities like buttoning, zipping, and tying.
• Increase dexterity: Using tools and techniques to improve hand coordination. This might involve hand therapy balls, dexterity boards, specialized exercises, or rehabilitation devices such as the MusicGlove.
• Explore assistive devices: Recommending and training patients on using adaptive equipment. This could include splints, braces, adaptive utensils, or assistive technology for accessing computers or mobile devices.

The goal of upper extremity rehabilitation is to restore as much function as possible, enabling patients to perform daily tasks and engage in meaningful activities.

4. Splinting and Orthotics

Splints and orthotics are often used in stroke rehabilitation to support and protect affected limbs, promote healing, and improve function. They can be particularly helpful in managing spasticity, preventing contractures, and improving hand function. Here’s how they can help:

• Prevent contractures: Maintaining muscle length and joint flexibility. This is important for preventing prolonged and severe stiffness and maintaining range of motion.
• Reduce pain: Providing support and stability to affected limbs. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing for increased participation in therapy.
• Improve hand function: Positioning the hand for optimal grasp and release. This can facilitate functional use of the hand for activities like eating, dressing, and grooming.

Occupational therapists carefully assess the need for splinting and orthotics and provide customized solutions to meet individual needs.

5. Environmental Modifications

Adapting the home environment is crucial for ensuring safety and promoting independence after a stroke. Occupational therapists assess the patient’s home and recommend modifications to address potential challenges and support participation in daily activities:

• Improve safety: Installing grab bars and removing tripping hazards, such as rugs, cords, and clutter on the floor. This helps prevent falls and injuries, ensuring a safe living environment.
• Increase accessibility: Widening doorways and creating ramps for wheelchair access. This allows for easy movement throughout the home and promotes independence.
• Promote independence: Adapting the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas to facilitate daily tasks. This might involve rearranging furniture, installing adaptive equipment, or modifying work surfaces.

Environmental modifications can significantly impact a stroke patient’s ability to live safely and comfortably at home.

Occupational Therapy Exercises for Stroke Patients

Occupational therapists design personalized exercise programs to address specific needs and goals. These exercises are designed to be functional and engaging, often incorporating activities that simulate real-life tasks. Here are some examples of exercises commonly used in stroke rehabilitation:

1. Range of Motion Exercises

These exercises help maintain joint flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness, which can occur after a stroke due to decreased activity and muscle weakness. Regular range of motion exercises are essential for preserving mobility and preventing complications. Examples include:

• Shoulder flexion and extension: Raising the arm forward and backward.
• Elbow flexion and extension: Bending and straightening the arm.
• Wrist flexion and extension: Moving the hand up and down at the wrist.
• Finger flexion and extension: Making a fist and then straightening the fingers.

These exercises can be performed passively with assistance or actively by the patient, depending on their level of ability. These may be recommended to be practiced at home daily, especially for patients with spasticity.

2. Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are crucial for rebuilding muscle strength and improving motor control after a stroke. These exercises gradually challenge the muscles, promoting recovery and enhancing functional abilities. Examples include:

• Squeezing a stress ball: Improves grip strength.
• Lifting light weights: Increases arm and shoulder strength.
• Picking up small objects with a clothespin: Enhances fine motor skills and strength.
• Performing resistance exercises with bands: Builds strength throughout the upper body.

The intensity and complexity of strengthening exercises are adjusted based on the patient’s progress and tolerance.

3. Coordination Exercises

Coordination exercises focus on improving the ability to perform smooth, controlled movements. These exercises challenge hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and precision, which are often affected by stroke. Examples include:

• Stacking blocks or cones: Develops hand-eye coordination.
• Threading beads: Enhances fine motor skills and precision.
• Flipping cards: Improves finger dexterity.
• Using a pegboard: Increases hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.

Coordination exercises can be made more challenging by increasing the speed or complexity of the task.

4. Functional Task Practice

Functional task practice involves practicing everyday activities to improve performance and independence. This type of exercise bridges the gap between therapeutic activities and real-life situations, promoting generalization of skills and enhancing confidence. Examples include:

• Simulating meal preparation: Practicing cutting food, opening containers, and using utensils.
• Performing dressing tasks: Buttoning shirts, zipping zippers, and tying shoelaces.
• Engaging in grooming activities: Brushing hair, brushing teeth, and washing the face.
• Participating in leisure activities: Playing games, doing puzzles, or engaging in crafts.

Functional task practice helps patients regain the skills and confidence needed to participate in meaningful activities and live fulfilling lives.

Tips for Maximizing Occupational Therapy Benefits

Occupational therapy can be highly effective in stroke recovery, but your active participation and commitment play a crucial role in achieving optimal outcomes. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of your therapy:

• Active Participation: Engage actively in therapy sessions and follow your home exercise program consistently. Consistent practice stimulates the brain, promoting lasting improvements.
• Open Communication: Communicate openly with your therapist about your challenges, concerns, and goals. This helps your therapist tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.
• Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude and focus on your progress, even if it’s gradual. Celebrate your achievements and stay motivated throughout your recovery journey.
• Support System: Involve your family and caregivers in your therapy journey for added support and encouragement. They may even be encouraged to attend therapy sessions occasionally to learn more about your needs and abilities. Having a strong support system can significantly impact your motivation and overall well-being.
• Patience and Persistence: Recovery from a stroke takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember that consistency and perseverance are key to achieving your goals.

By following these tips, you can actively participate in your recovery and make the most of your occupational therapy experience.

How To Find an Occupational Therapist

Finding the right occupational therapist is an important step in your stroke recovery journey. You want to find someone who is experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Here are some resources to help you find a qualified occupational therapist in your area:

• Your doctor: Talk to your doctor about a referral for occupational therapy. They can recommend therapists who specialize in stroke rehabilitation and are familiar with your specific needs.
• Online directories: Several online directories, such as Healthgrades and Vitals, allow you to search for healthcare providers, including occupational therapists. You can read reviews and compare qualifications to find a therapist who meets your needs.
• Word of mouth: If able, talk with other stroke survivors in your area and see if they have any recommendations.

When choosing an occupational therapist, consider the following factors:

• Therapy setting: Many therapists work in just one therapy setting, such as in home health or at an outpatient clinic. The best therapy setting depends on your abilities and stage of recovery, so talk with your doctor about the best therapists for your specific needs.
• Experience: Look for a therapist with experience working with stroke patients and a track record of successful outcomes.
• Approach: Consider their approach to therapy and whether it aligns with your preferences and goals.
• Communication: Choose a therapist who communicates effectively with you and your family and makes you feel comfortable and supported.

Take the time to research potential therapists to find the best fit for your needs. However, it is important to note that many clinics may not consistently keep the same therapist with each patient. If this is your preference, be sure to discuss that before beginning therapy.

Occupational Therapy Is Essential

Occupational therapy is an essential component of stroke rehabilitation, offering a personalized and holistic approach to recovery. By focusing on meaningful activities and adaptive strategies, OT empowers stroke patients to regain independence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Remember, stroke recovery is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a positive attitude. Occupational therapy can provide the guidance, support, and tools you need to navigate this path successfully. With the right interventions and a commitment to your recovery, you can achieve significant progress and reclaim your life after a stroke.

Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor to seek out occupational therapy services and embark on your journey toward a fulfilling and independent life.

The post Occupational Therapy for Stroke Patients: What To Expect Plus 4 Common Types of Exercises appeared first on Flint Rehab.

This article will introduce multiple types of video games that may be used in conjunction with conventional therapy to promote recovery. A detailed explanation of the benefits of video gaming for stroke recovery and how video games may encourage improvements is also included.

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this article:

• How can video games encourage stroke recovery?
• Benefits of video games for stroke patients
• The best video games for stroke recovery

How Can Video Games Encourage Stroke Recovery?

In order to promote recovery after stroke, it is important to repetitively practice targeted skills. This is because neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire itself, is activated by consistent and repetitive practice.

The brain is constantly adapting to develop more efficient pathways for frequently practiced skills. Because video games can be so engaging, they can encourage survivors to practice affected skills over and over.

Although video games are generally seen as more popular with younger generations, they can be an effective and engaging way to promote stroke recovery at any age. Personalized video game recommendations can be provided by the survivor’s rehabilitative team, including speech, occupational and/or physical therapists.

While some individuals are happy to try video games as a form of stroke rehabilitation, others may be uncertain about using video games due to price or concerns regarding the game’s focus or difficulty level. Checking with local libraries can help ease these concerns, as video games and gaming consoles are often available to borrow free of charge.

Benefits of Using Video Games for Stroke Patients

Research on the effects of using video games to promote stroke recovery have found a wide range of benefits. Depending on the focus of the game, survivors may improve physical, cognitive, and even emotional skills. This may include improvements in:

• Gait (manner of walking)
• Balance
• Arm functions
• Physical activity levels
• Attention
• Spatial cognition
• Memory
• Mental health
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Quality of life

Given their widespread benefits and minimal drawbacks, video games for stroke patients are gaining popularity as rehabilitative tools. However, most studies do recommend using video games in conjunction with more conventional therapies for optimal results.

The Best Video Games for Stroke Patients

The most effective video games for stroke patients are engaging and encourage repetitive practice of targeted tasks. Practicing specific tasks again and again stimulates the brain, promoting adaptive rewiring through neuroplasticity.

The list below outlines seven enjoyable and engaging video games that can help stroke survivors as they pursue recovery.

1. Brain Age

Video games that exercise cognitive skills, such as memory and concentration, can help improve critical thinking after stroke. The Brain Age series, which most recently came out with a Nintendo Switch Brain Training game, is full of brain-boosting activities that can play be played independently or with friends.

The cognitive exercises used in this video game are inspired by the works of neuroscientist Ryuta Kawashima, and focus on improving processing speed, short-term memory, and self-control. By consistently practicing tasks involving these functions, the brain may be able to adapt and recover these skills.

2. Nintendo Switch Sports

An upgraded version of Wii Sports, Nintendo Switch Sports is a video game that can be extremely helpful for stroke survivors trying to regain movement. Through interactive games such as bowling, tennis, and soccer, Nintendo Switch Sports provides both entertainment and the opportunity to practice various physical skills.

Many of the sports included in this game can be played in either seated or standing positions. With a caregiver or therapist nearby to supervise, some individuals may benefit from playing while standing to improve their balance skills. Others may prefer to stay seated if they are focused primarily on improving arm functions.

Furthermore, while most of the sports included involve moving the arm and hand, there is also an option to practice leg movements by strapping the controller to the thigh when playing soccer (football). This can provide an exceptional balance challenge, but individuals who are at risk of falling should only try this with a caregiver nearby for safety.

3. MusicGlove

Focused specifically on improving hand functions after a stroke, the MusicGlove is an excellent rehabilitation device that targets the fingers. It combines video gaming, music, and hand therapy to encourage individuals to perform the high number of repetitions necessary to improve hand functions after stroke.

While it is similar to Guitar Hero, MusicGlove is designed specifically for stroke survivors with hand weakness. By encouraging users to practice tapping their fingertips together, MusicGlove can improve the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as twisting a doorknob or picking up an object.

4. FitMi

Stroke survivors who want to improve movement throughout their entire body may benefit from using programs such as FitMi. As a video game-like neurorehabilitation device, FitMi includes various exercises that target the hands, arms, core, and legs.

By encouraging individuals to perform a certain number of rehabilitative exercises within a given timeframe, FitMi provides an engaging way for survivors to repetitively practice targeted movements. FitMi can also adapt to the individual’s ability level for an optimal challenge to keep survivors motivated without getting overwhelmed or discouraged.

5. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) video games can serve as a form of escapism for stroke survivors by allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of limitless possibilities. By wearing a headset, survivors can interact with a variety of virtual simulations that mimic the real world.

Virtual reality video games for stroke patients provide a multisensory experience that motivates users to perform the task-specific exercises necessary to promote neuroplasticity. Depending on the game, virtual reality can help stroke survivors improve both physical and cognitive skills.

For example, a virtual reality game called Beat Saber involves rhythmic upper body movement, combining beneficial aspects of gaming with music therapy to enhance arm functions. Other games, such as Reh@City, can simulate real-world scenarios in a safe environment. By participating in different tasks, such as visiting a virtual supermarket, post-office, bank and pharmacy, individuals can improve cognitive functions and participation in daily activities.

6. CT Speech and Cognitive Therapy

The CT Speech and Cognitive Therapy App is a video game designed to be used on a phone or tablet to provide easy access to cognitive training activities. The app includes over 100,000 speech and cognitive training exercises that can help survivors develop a wide range of skills, including:

• language
• memory
• listening
• reading comprehension
• problem solving
• attention
• visual processing

Additionally, the game’s smart artificial intelligence (AI) technology adapts to the user’s ability level for a personalized rehabilitation experience. As skills improve, the recommended exercises will also increase in difficulty.

7. Differences

Differences is a free app that encourages stroke survivors to develop their visual processing and attention skills. In this game, two nearly identical images are presented. Individuals are then challenged to see how many differences they can spot between the images. This game is ideal for stroke survivors who are trying to develop their concentration skills because it there are multiple difficulty levels and no time constraints.

Each of these games has its own unique set of benefits. Survivors should talk with their rehabilitative team to discover which video games for stroke patients may be most effective for their specific needs. While video games may be helpful on their own, it is often most effective to use video games as a way to enhance results from conventional therapies.

Understanding Video Games for Stroke Recovery

Video games can serve as an effective form of rehabilitative therapy for stroke survivors. To promote recovery after stroke, individuals must play games that engage the skills that were affected by their stroke.

For example, if a stroke affects memory, individuals must consistently practice video games that engage memory skills. This helps the brain understand that there is a demand for memory functions, and encourages adaptive reorganization of neural circuitry.

Many stroke survivors struggle to stay motivated and perform the repetitions necessary to influence neurological adaptations. Using video games for stroke patients can help individuals stay engaged and challenged enough to keep practicing.

The post Video Games for Stroke Patients: How They Help Recovery & Which Ones to Try appeared first on Flint Rehab.

This article has been updated to be detailed and comprehensive. There’s a lot of information here, so bookmark this extensive article and use the links below to jump straight to any section:

• Why does walking become difficult after stroke?
• How gait rehabilitation works
• Relearning to walk after stroke
• Mobility aids
• Exercise devices
• Other considerations
• What are the chances of walking after stroke?

Why Does Walking Become Difficult After Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is compromised. This deprives brain cells of oxygen and other nutrients, resulting in brain tissue damage. Secondary effects of stroke vary greatly based on which areas of the brain sustained damage. These effects can include changes in cognitive skills, motor abilities, sensation, vision, communication, and personality.

More than half of all stroke survivors age 65 and older experience reduced mobility due to stroke. While some individuals are unable to walk at all after stroke, others experience only minimal changes to their gait pattern (manner of walking).

Major secondary effects of stroke that may affect walking include:

• Hemiparesis or hemiplegia: weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Spasticity: involuntary muscle tightness
• Foot drop: inability to lift the front portion of the foot
• Balance issues: can arise due to motor changes, incoordination, numbness/tingling, vision problems, or vertigo
• Pain: may be related to neuropathy, changes in muscle tone, or other factors

Motor impairments after a stroke often impact only one side of the body, opposite from where the damage to the brain occurred. Therefore a right hemisphere stroke may cause difficulty with movement on the left side of the body, while a left hemisphere stroke may affect the right side of the body. One-sided motor deficits and can greatly impact balance and impede walking after stroke.

How Gait Rehabilitation Works

Rehabilitation is key to regaining the ability to walk after stroke. Physical therapists are excellent resources for gait recovery, as they are specially trained in movement restoration. Working with an occupational therapist may also be recommended if difficulty walking affects the ability to participate in the activities of daily living.

Participating in physical and/or occupational therapy can boost recovery by stimulating adaptive changes in the brain. This is because consistently and repetitively practicing targeted tasks activates neuroplasticity, the mechanism by which the brain repairs and rewires itself.

Neuroplasticity helps the brain become more efficient with tasks that are performed regularly by creating and strengthening neural pathways. When specific exercises and activities are repetitively practiced, the brain perceives a need for the associated functions and makes the related neural pathways stronger.

Stroke survivors often begin their rehabilitation process in the hospital. Upon discharge, they may be recommended to pursue home health or outpatient rehabilitation. Alternatively, individuals may move to an inpatient rehabilitation center, where they participate in multiple hours of therapy per day.

In each of these settings, physical therapists can use personalized exercises and activities to help restore movement and coordination, strengthen the muscles, and retrain the brain. Continuing to practice therapy tasks related to walking even outside of therapy sessions can promote optimal improvements.

Relearning to Walk After Stroke

Physical therapy often involves a combination of passive stretches, active exercises, and therapeutic modalities. The best exercises are those that are challenging, yet not overly difficult to perform. With consistent practice, it is even possible for some individuals with post-stroke paralysis to recover the ability to walk independently.

Here are a few exercises and techniques that physical therapists may use to improve walking skills after stroke:

Passive Exercises

Especially helpful for individuals with little to no active movement in their legs, passive exercises involve gentle stretches, often performed by a therapist or trained caregiver. Passive exercises may be used for a number of reasons, including to improve flexibility, prevent contractures, increase blood flow, and stimulate the brain.

To improve walking abilities, passive exercises often focus on ankle, knee, and hip movement. Combining passive exercise with mental practice by visualizing oneself performing targeted movements can enhance results. As movement improves, individuals may be able to move onto active exercises.

Explore passive exercises for stroke survivors »

Active Exercises

Different than passive exercises, active exercises involve using one’s own strength to perform a specific movement. Both leg and core exercises are essential for regaining the ability to walk. Weights and resistance bands may also be added as needed. Active exercises that physical therapists may recommend include:

• Seated marches: while sitting, raise one leg at a time toward the chest as if marching, then relax the leg back down
• Toe taps: starting with the feet flat on the floor, raise the toes up, then lower them back down
• Sit-to-stands: beginning in a seated position, push up to standing, using a table or countertop for support if needed, before returning to sitting

Physical therapists may recommend different exercises based on the individual’s skill level and which factors are impeding their ability to walk. For example, an individual who is struggling to walk due to foot drop will likely focus on different exercises than someone whose walking skills are impaired due to poor balance.

Feel free to use the links below to explore other exercises that may help improve walking after stroke:

Explore leg exercises »

Explore core exercises »

Explore balance exercises »

Explore foot drop exercises »

Gait Training

Perhaps the most specialized method for relearning to walk after stroke, gait training focuses on improving walking patterns. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have sufficient movement and strength to walk, but have yet to achieve their normal gait pattern.

While gait training can include leg, core, and even arm exercises, it may also involve walking practice with real-time feedback from a physical therapist. Gait training may also involve walking on different surfaces or navigating sidewalks and curbs to improve safety and independence.

Explore gait training exercises »

Aquatic Therapy

Participating in aquatic therapy can be extremely beneficial when relearning to walk. Warm pool water can relax muscles and aid in pain relief. Furthermore, while moving against water resistance can help improve muscle strength, the buoyancy of water allows individuals to practice moving with less weight on their joints and can reduce the fear of falling.

Modalities

Physical therapists may also utilize treatment modalities like massage or electrical stimulation (e-stim) to improve walking after stroke. These treatments are most effective when used in conjunction with therapeutic exercises.

E-stim involves placing electrodes on the skin and using an electrical current to stimulate affected muscles. This can retrain the brain to activate the muscles needed for walking. Again, e-stim tends to be most effective when visualizing targeted movements.

Massage can help relieve pain, reduce muscle tightness and spasticity, and improve circulation. Therefore, manual techniques like massage can help prepare the body for optimal movement.

Mobility Aids to Help Stroke Survivors Walk

Walking devices that are used following a stroke can vary greatly depending on the survivor’s needs and skill level. Mobility aids that may be used include:

• Front-wheeled walkers
• Platform walker
• Hemi walkers
• Four-wheeled walkers
• Quad canes
• Single point canes

As individuals improve their strength, balance, and coordination, they may be able to transition to less stable walking devices, or be able to walk safely without using a mobility aid at all. However, for optimal outcomes, it is important for survivors to use any walking device recommended by their therapist and to practice rehabilitation exercises consistently.

Explore mobility aids on Amazon »

Exercise Devices to Improve Walking After Stroke

Following along with written sheets of exercises can be tough due to low accountability and potential boredom. Those who struggle with motivation to exercise may benefit from exploring exercise devices that may be more engaging, such as:

Anti-gravity treadmills

Unlike most treadmills, anti-gravity treadmills are able to help support some of the user’s body weight. This can allow individuals to practice the movements involved in walking, even if they do not yet have sufficient strength or endurance to walk independently. These are very expensive and usually offered at rehabilitation facilities. Some clinics may also have bodyweight support systems that can be used in a similar fashion.

NuStep

The NuStep is a type of recumbent cross-trainer frequently used in rehabilitation clinics. It allows individuals to sit while moving the arms and legs forward and back, alternating sides in a gentle gliding motion to activate muscles commonly used during walking. Again, these are rather expensive and therefore often best to use during physical therapy sessions.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes may be used at home or in a clinic to help with gait recovery. These are particularly appealing for individuals with hemiplegia or severe hemiparesis, because the non-affected leg can help assist movement in the affected leg, encouraging neuroplasticity. As stationary bikes primarily target the legs and core, it’s important to use other rehabilitation methods as well to target the full body.

FitMi Home Therapy

Home rehabilitation devices, such as FitMi Home Therapy, can target the whole body and turn physical therapy exercises into an interactive experience. FitMi can provide personalized exercises and encourage survivors to accomplish high repetition of therapeutic exercises, which helps spark neuroplasticity and rewire the brain.

Other Considerations for Gait Rehabilitation After Stroke

As individuals begin to pursue gait rehabilitation, there are a few other points to consider:

• Individuals who have difficulty walking are at a heightened risk of falls. Consider practicing exercises with a caregiver nearby or close to a stable surface, such as a countertop, if balance is a concern. Using recommended mobility aids can also reduce the risk of falling.
• Survivors who experience vision problems after stroke often have difficulty walking. Optometrists, neurologists, and occupational therapists are all great resources for improving vision after stroke.
• Hemineglect is a common post-stroke condition that causes stroke survivors to be completely unaware of their affected side. This may cause individuals to run into walls, chairs or other objects on their affected side, thus this condition should be addressed by a speech or occupational therapist before individuals can safely walk after stroke.

Addressing any other underlying issues that may affect walking, such as vertigo or numbness, is essential in order to regain the ability to walk safely and effectively. Survivors can talk with their doctor or therapist to learn more about underlying conditions that may affect the ability to walk after stroke.

What Are the Chances of Walking After a Stroke?

The majority (up to 85%) of all stroke survivors are able to walk independently by 6 months after their stroke. However, only 60% of survivors who initially required assistance with walking after stroke regain the ability to walk independently.

While stroke recovery timelines can vary greatly, studies have found some common predictors of regaining the ability to walk after stroke. According to the Time to Walking Independently after STroke (TWIST) prediction tool, individuals who are younger, have greater knee extension strength, and have better sitting and standing balance are more likely to regain the ability to walk after stroke.

This does not mean that those who are older, have poor knee extension strength, or lack sitting and standing balance will never recover the ability to walk. It simply means that rehabilitation may require more effort and hard work.

Participating in rehabilitation early on in the stroke rehabilitation process can boost outcomes. Neuroplasticity is enhanced during the first 3-6 months after stroke, thus the greatest improvements tend to occur in this timeframe. However, even if independent walking is not achieved during this time, it is still possible to make improvements years after stroke.

Hope for Walking After Stroke

The ability to walk independently is a major goal of many stroke survivors. Participating in physical therapy and consistently practicing targeted exercises and activities can help individuals achieve this goal.

Repetitively practicing exercises both during therapy and at home can promote optimal results. Therefore, using regularly home exercise programs and/or home therapy devices like FitMi can encourage adaptive brain rewiring and help survivors regain the ability to walk after stroke.

The post Walking After Stroke: How to Maximize The Chances of Recovery appeared first on Flint Rehab.

One study utilizing stem cell therapy reported that some participants were able to regain the ability to walk and no longer required the use of a wheelchair. This article will introduce you to the concepts in stem cell therapy for stroke and provide you with background to understand the options when considering stem cell therapy  treatment.

Use these links to navigate through this article as we discuss how stem cell therapy for stroke can promote recovery:

• What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
• How Does Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Patients Work?
• Research Supporting Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery
• How Much Will Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Cost?
• Stem Cell Therapy is Not Necessary for Stroke Recovery

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

To understand stem cell therapy for stroke, you first need to understand stem cells. Stem cells are “a class of undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized cell types,” according to Medical News Today.

In other words, they are unspecified cells that have the potential to become specialized cells based on their location. For example, stem cells can become cardiac cells, nerve cells, or blood cells depending on where they are placed.

Additionally, stem cells can divide indefinitely, producing other stem cells or specialized cells. In this instance, the new cells produced can be ideal for replacing damaged cells caused by neurological injury such as stroke.

Therefore, by implanting stem cells into areas of the brain affected by stroke, they ideally differentiate into neurons, and other supportive cells such as glial cells, which serve to support signal transmission between neurons. There are many supportive cells required to promote recovery that stem cells develop into, depending on their location.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Patients Work?

Stem cells can be injected directly into the tissues surrounding damaged areas of the brain. This is called intracerebral injection and is the most invasive stem cell therapy for stroke as it is a form of brain surgery. The benefit is that all the stem cells are placed directly in the area that needs them.

Intravenous injections are less risky and very easy to administer. But these stem cells are injected into the veins and therefore many stem cells may not reach the brain tissue. Stem cells can also be injected into the arteries directly feeding the brain such as the carotid artery. Or they are injected into the ventricles of the brain to supplement the cerebral spinal fluid that the brain floats in. There are pros and cons to the various delivery methods.

Leading stem cell researcher Dr. Gary Steinberg describes the effect stem cells have on the brain:  

“…These [stem] cells don’t actually integrate into the brain long term and become neurons to reconstitute circuits. What they do is to pump out very powerful growth factors, molecules and proteins that enhance native mechanisms of recovery, such as new synapses of neurons that are there, new blood vessels, and they have a very profound effect on modulating the immune system. And in that way, what we believe they do is to turn the adult brain into a neonatal or infant brain, which has a lot of ability to recover after injury.”

 Stem cells therefore promote an environment within your brain that resembles a young, cell-regenerating machine and helps stimulate neuroplasticity.  Neuroplasticity is the central nervous system’s ability to reorganize its circuits based on our behaviors.

Research Supporting Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Although Dr. Steinberg’s clinical study only included 18 patients, the results of this stem cell research were impressive. Research participants reported substantial motor improvement. One patient in particular, Sonia Coontz, described her limbs as “waking up” after being asleep for years after her stroke.

To quantify these results, there was an 11.4-point improvement in motor function based on the Fugl-Meyer test, which is a scale used to measure patients’ movement deficits. These results translate to significant improvements in the participants’ mobility and use of their upper and lower extremities.

To quote Steinberg again,

“This wasn’t just, ‘They couldn’t move their thumb, and now they can.’ Patients who were in wheelchairs are walking now.”

Additionally, multiple preclinical studies have shown that stem cell therapy increases functional recovery after an acute, sub-acute, and chronic stroke. However, many questions regarding the mechanisms for how stem cells facilitate recovery remain unanswered.

Research on stem cell therapy for stroke is showing promising results, but it is in the early stages of development. In animal models, stem cell therapy has been demonstrated to significantly improve neurological function. Stem cell therapy for stroke recovery is in the early stages of clinical trials. However, trials with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Neural Stem Cells have promising outcomes.

One major factor involved in stem cell therapy for stroke recovery is determining which type of stem cell to use. There are a variety of stem cells including embryonic, mesenchymal, neural, and induced pluripotent stem cells. While each type of stem cell has its specific beneficial properties, research seems to suggest mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells have the most promise for use in stroke recovery.

In addition to determining what type of stem cell is ideal for stroke recovery, other factors including the optimal timing of delivery and dosage need to be considered.

How Much Will Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Cost?

If you’re interested in stem cell therapy for stroke, there are initial steps to take. Search for clinical trials in your area, and you may discover you fit their criteria to become a subject in these ongoing research studies. Clinical trials are generally free of charge because most are typically federally or privately funded, resulting in minimal or no cost to the subjects.

Search for clinical stem cell trials near you by going to this clinical trials web page and type in “stroke” under conditions, and type “stem cell” under other terms.

Stem Cell Therapy Is Not Necessary for Stroke Recovery

It’s essential to understand that stem cell therapy is not a requirement for stroke recovery. While stem cell therapy appears to be a very promising treatment in the future, it’s still in the developmental stage.

Recovery after stroke is focused on the brain’s capability of growth by neuroplasticity. Consistently practicing movements weakened by stroke stimulates the brain and strengthens neural control of the muscles. This encourages healthy, unaffected regions of the brain to rewire and resume functioning after a stroke.

Therefore, when you continue participating in therapy and performing repetitive practice of movements, you stimulate the brain and promote functional recovery. Rehabilitation after a stroke can occur even if it has been decades since your initial injury.

At Flint Rehab, we receive many first-hand success stories. For example, one patient who used MusicGlove hand therapy improved his hand function 24 years post-stroke. Another patient recovered from paralysis 7 years after his stroke by using FitMi home therapy. The brain’s neuroplasticity is ongoing, and improving function to participate in daily life is always possible.

Understanding Stem Cells for Stroke Recovery

Stem cell therapy is a promising procedure that may help individuals recover after a stroke. It works by transplanting stem cells into the brain tissue surrounding the location of the stroke. The stem cells boost the brain’s ability to release growth factors, molecules, and proteins that stimulate neuroplasticity and other recovery mechanisms.

No matter how long it has been since your stroke, there’s hope that stem cell therapy can help. Combined with traditional neurological rehabilitation that uses neuroplasticity to regain function, stem cell therapy has great potential for optimal recovery.

We hope this article has enhanced your understanding of stem cell therapy for stroke.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Patients Work?

The post Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery: How Does It Work? appeared first on Flint Rehab.

Although it may be overlooked and underrated, mindfulness is a powerful way to promote healing and happiness after a stroke. Since increased happiness leads to more action, this is an avenue for enhanced stroke rehabilitation.

Let’s dig into how mindfulness and stroke rehabilitation work together.

How to Boost Healing After a Stroke

Of course, we can’t start talking about stroke recovery without first discussing neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity is the process the brain uses to create and strengthen neural pathways. This process illustrates how the brain can adapt and heal after a stroke.

The process of neuroplasticity depends on learning and experience. To activate neuroplasticity, you must engage with the skills you want to relearn. You’re likely already doing this during any therapy sessions, but your brain needs you to practice more often than the times you are at a therapy appointment.

Neuroplasticity is more likely to occur with increased learning opportunities to stimulate the brain. Therefore, the more you practice, the better your skills will get.

Best of all, you can use neuroplasticity in two ways: to heal the brain and boost happiness. How, exactly? Let’s dive into that next.

Boosting Happiness During Stroke Recovery

Stroke recovery can present challenges that may bring discouragement and depression. This deserves attention because happiness can motivate action – and action is how recovery is achieved.

It is not unusual for individuals who have had a stroke to experience depression or frustration. This is common because the secondary effects of a stroke, such as impaired arm or leg function, can make everyday tasks more difficult. Mindfulness can boost your mood and therefore enhance your rehabilitation.

Mindfulness can help you to reduce any negative self-talk you may be experiencing as well. If you believed that a plateau in progress meant the end of the road, consider how this could prevent you from striving. Then your negative thoughts become a self-fulfilling prophecy and inhibit recovery.

Fortunately, your thoughts can be disciplined by mindfulness just like any other skill is developed.

This concept is critical to a successful recovery because your thoughts influence your actions and improving your self-talk could motivate more meaningful action. Just another reason mindfulness and stroke rehabilitation go together toward recovery.

How to use Mindfulness as a Tool for Stroke Rehabilitation

Mindfulness is the process of paying close attention to your thoughts and actions

To understand how, let’s look at a quick example.

Consider for a moment which of these situations would make you happiest:

• Doing hand therapy while focusing on your ­­­therapy
• Doing hand therapy while thinking about traveling in Paris
• Traveling in Paris while thinking about hand therapy
• Traveling in Paris while focusing on traveling in Paris

Can you guess which one? Believe it or not, science shows that situations #1 and #4 lead to the most happiness.

Indeed, it’s a scientific fact that we’re happiest when thought and action are aligned.

Mindfulness is keeping your mind on the present, and here’s how it can help stroke recovery:

Promoting Healing Through the Present Moment

During stroke recovery, it can be hard to be present, especially if you struggle with coming to terms with your new normal.

If you find yourself reminiscing or yearning for the future, this is understandable but not mindful. As a result, it doesn’t encourage as much happiness as a mindful approach does.

Often, it’s not our intention to have wandering minds. It’s likely something that we’ve been doing our entire lives, and because of neuroplasticity, our brains have become very efficient at wandering.

With mindfulness and stroke rehabilitation, you can use neuroplasticity to train yourself to be more mindful, and a great tool for this is meditation.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Meditation can benefit stroke recovery in all kinds of ways. To name some, meditation is proven to:

• Reduce depression, tiredness, and fatigue
• Grow the grey matter of your brain
• Improve balance, attention, and emotion regulation

It must be practiced long-term to produce these results. After all, the brain requires experience to rewire itself.

Only by exposing ourselves to the stimulus of meditation regularly can we encourage the brain to become more mindful. A great way to get started is by listening to guided meditations on YouTube or in an app (like Aura, which is on our list of top stroke recovery apps).

Healing & Happiness After Stroke

If you’ve made it to the end, it’s clear that you enjoy the idea of blending mindfulness and stroke rehabilitation.

To dive even deeper, you’ll love our book Healing & Happiness After Stroke – How to Get Back Up After Life Turned Upside-Down.

It’s a science-based approach on how to boost self-esteem, happiness, and recovery. Since you’re interested in mindfulness, we know you’ll love the book.

The post How to Use Mindfulness to Promote Healing and Happiness After Stroke appeared first on Flint Rehab.