Movement for Life: Exercise After a Stroke - Part 1

by Lauren Walker

I'm going to share with you about a client we work with who suffered a stroke. You may think progress cannot be made in such a case but in six months, the improvement is significant. Under careful supervision, our client went from not being able to stand to walking with assistance.

What is the goal?

Let's first be clear, significant issues, such as a stroke, require careful exercise programming with a professional. Our client had undergone physiotherapy and she was interested in furthering her progress, through exercise. With no mobility in the left arm and leg, we had to think about where to start. We assessed the clients goal and she wanted to be able to walk (with assistance), in order to have more independence in her daily life.

Knowledge is Key

Getting the limbs moving, after such a long period of immobility, is one thing. Being able to weight bear (stand up) requires strength in the upper and lower body. Atrophy (muscle weakness) is quite significant in this case. How do you teach someone to stand when they haven't stood up in six months? She suffered from a drop foot, on the left side, which forced a creative solution.

Exercise Prescription

Many people in this situation are told nothing can be done, much like this client. While we are not doctors, we are trained in exercise. Most cases we have worked with are able to gain mobility and strength with proper exercise programming. Depending on the severity of the situation, a client's progress can only be assessed at that time. I never say never, however, as I have learned, "exercise is like medicine, it needs to be prescribed properly."

Look for part two, in the Seniors Health Section, later this month. For more information on our Personal Training services please call 289-356-2140 or 289-356-2142