Training after a Stroke: Regaining Your Gait

Upon suffering a stroke, initial deficits in walking can limit a person to the point where hope is lost. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that gait-related deficits can be overcome through gait-related training. Evidence supports the effects of strength training, cardiorespiratory training, and mixed training programs on improving gait in stroke patients. This evidence suggests that gait and gait-related activities should be directly targeted because the general view of motor learning is that exercise regimens mainly induce specific treatment effects. This means you have a high chance of regaining your ability to walk with good gait as long as you follow the right training program.

 

Repeated muscle contractions resisted by body weight, elastic devices, masses, free weights, specialized machine weights, or isokinetic devices are the types of gait-related activities shown to improve gait. While one may not be able to independently perform these exercises at first, ActiveForever carries products for the stroke patient in their first week of training (Gait Belts, Airex Balance Pad Elite – Non Skid Top and Bottom, Pilates stick) to users in their first year of training (Gymstick Fitness Tool, Giddyup Core Exerciser).

 

Cardiorespiratory fitness training typically consists of performing physical activities such as cycling and rowing for extended periods of time, without aiming to improve gait performance. Products such as the Mini Cycle Arm and Leg Exercise Machine and the Magneciser Pedal Exerciser have settings for both beginners and advanced users, and progressive bicycling programs have been evidenced to result in significant gains in walking endurance, gait speed, and walking distance.

 

Cardiorespiratory and gait-oriented training are more beneficial in improving walking competency because these training programs focus primarily on the relearning of functional gait-related skills that are relevant to the individual patient’s needs. Don’t think that you can’t improve your ability to walk, because there’s evidence out there that states otherwise. Search through the selection of independent living products at ActiveForever to help you in your recovery, because their commitment to the consumer is shown in the large amount of products for affordable prices.

 

Effects of Exercise Training Programs on Walking Competency After Stroke: A Systematic Review van de Port, Ingrid G.L MSc; Wood-Dauphinee, Sharon PhD, PT; Lindeman, Eline PhD, MD; Kwakkel, Gert PhD. Volume 86(11), November 2007, pp 935-951