Evidence-Based Exercises After Stroke
Stroke rehabilitation exercises must be task-specific, high-repetition, and progressively challenging to effectively trigger neuroplasticity. Generic gym exercises are far less effective than carefully designed functional movement practice.
Upper Limb Exercises
Grasp-and-release drills, finger extension practice against resistance, and mirror therapy form the core of hand rehabilitation. CIMT — restraining the unaffected arm — forces the brain to use the affected limb, dramatically accelerating recovery.
Lower Limb and Gait Training
Step retraining on a treadmill with body-weight support, sit-to-stand exercises, and ankle dorsiflexion drills address foot drop and restore walking mechanics. Balance board training improves proprioception.
Core and Trunk Control
Trunk stability precedes arm and leg recovery. Seated weight shifts, lateral reach exercises, and trunk rotation drills rebuild the postural foundation.
Progression Principles
Start from the patient's current level — never pain or excessive fatigue. Increase complexity before adding resistance. Always combine movement with cognitive attention to maximize cortical engagement.