Paralysis, which refers to a muscle or a muscle group’s inability to move voluntarily, is the most common disability resulting from stroke. As per an estimate, 9 out of 10 survivors experience some degree of paralysis right after a stroke. Depending on stroke severity, Paralysis leads to mobility issues, which can further be enhanced by […]
Hand motor impairments are commonly observed after stroke due to deficits in motor execution and higher-order processes (motor planning and motor learning). These deficits lead to impaired one-handed motor control in stroke victims, which can be detected by examining movements during natural movements and the coordination of fingertip forces. Due to damage to the certain […]
Upper limb dysfunction is a common functional Impairment after a stroke. Nearly 75% of acute stroke survivors experience upper limb symptoms while only 5% of adult stroke victims regain fully functional upper limb after completing their rehabilitation program. Chronic loss of sensation and muscle weakness enhance the degree of functional limitations caused by upper limb dysfunction. […]
Stroke, depending on its severity, can result in certain motor, cognitive and sensory impairments. While motor deficits after stroke are typically more obvious, cognitive and sensory problems are identified during the course of the rehabilitation process. The link among post-stroke impairments has not specifically been a subject of interest in stroke research until now. These […]
Physical Therapy (PT) is the most common rehabilitation method to treat problems with movement, paralysis or loss of muscle function after Stroke. Many studies suggest that early mobilization within 24 hours of the stroke, improves the chances of speedy stroke recovery. Generally, a ’45 mins per day, five times a week’ exercise schedule is recommended […]
Occupational Therapy (OT) after stroke aims to enable stroke survivors to lead an independent life by improving their skills, helping them find different ways to complete tasks and using certain handy equipment. Helping stroke victims perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Occupational Therapy instills a sense of confidence among stroke survivors and hence saves them […]
Speech Therapy (ST) aims at helping stroke survivors relearn forgotten speech function or develop alternative means of communication. Intensive exercises such as repeating certain words, a few reading or writing exercises, conversational rehearsals and the development of prompts or cues are often included in the stroke survivor’s rehabilitation program. Apart from improving speech and linguistic […]
Yoga during stroke rehabilitation primarily focuses on two impairments caused after stroke – difficulty with balance and one-sided weakness. Research indicates that adding Yoga, which combines dynamic and static poses, breathing and meditation, to stroke rehabilitation may improve recovery. Several benefits of practicing Yoga after stroke include improved balance, reduced fear of falling and better […]
Music Therapy is an emerging method that aims at helping stroke survivors go back to their functional lives. Sometimes included in an individual stroke rehabilitation program, Music Therapy (MT) addresses the physical limitations as well as the speech and communication deficits post stroke. According to many research studies, music may stimulate multiple brain functions including motor function […]
Virtual Reality (VR) is a relatively new stroke rehabilitation approach, aiming to address motor deficits and shorten the recovery process. VR may have some advantages over traditional therapy approaches as it can give people an opportunity to practice activities of daily living (ADL) anywhere. A number of research studies focusing on the effectiveness of VR […]