Around 270,000 people in Germany suffer a stroke every year - more than 80 percent of them are over 60. A stroke of fate for those affected and their relatives. Just a few years ago, treatment was based on rest and drug therapy. Nowadays, the approach is different: With targeted and dosed fitness training, stroke patients are slowly fighting their way back into life. Find out everything about Sport after stroke!
Consequences of a stroke
A stroke or cerebral apoplexy causes damage to the brain because its blood supply is interrupted. For most people a stroke is not fatal. Depending on how severely the blood supply is disrupted and for how long, the brain may or may not be able to perform its functions for the time being. The consequences can be far-reaching: paralysis in certain areas of the body (often in the arm), movement disorders such as an unsteady gait, problems with speech, a drooping corner of the mouth or visual disturbances. Psychological problems such as depression also sometimes occur due to the new situation.
Sport after stroke to maintain independence
It is important for stroke patients to regain their mobility and speech and thus their independence. Regaining emotional stability is also of great importance. Fitness may seem unimportant at first glance, but it is important to focus on sport after a stroke should not be dispensed with. Those who are not physically fit also find it more difficult to do exercises that promote recovery and ultimately bring back independence.
Those affected receive help in rehab. It is intended to help patients after a stroke to cope with their everyday life independently again. This includes being able to wash, dress or prepare food on their own. Patients often suffer from physical limitations, so that they can no longer perform certain tasks with a paralyzed hand, for example. Then they learn in the rehab certain exercises for stroke patients and how to use assistive devices.
Sport after after a stroke can reduce the risk of suffering another stroke, as it has a positive effect on blood lipid levels and blood pressure. Regular exercise also improves the function of the paralysed parts of the body and reduces spasticity. Everyday movements such as walking or climbing stairs become safer and the risk of falling is reduced. Physical training after a stroke brightens the mood, raises spirits and gives new self-confidence if this has been lost after the loss of the ability to master the simplest everyday movements.
In summary, regular sport after a stroke can achieve a lot of positive results for those affected:
- Promotion of the ability to walk
- Relaxation of spasticity
- Regulation of muscle tone (state of tension of the muscles)
- Improvement of coordination and motor skills
- Training of the sense of balance
- Improved mood
- Improvement of the quality of life
- Reduction of the risk of a second stroke
- Enhancement of mobility and physical performance
- Improvement of brain performance and thinking functions
- Independent mastering of everyday life, independence
Suitable Exercises after stroke
Patients should start rehabilitation as soon as possible after the stroke. rehabilitation as soon as possible after the stroke. The sooner this happens, the higher the chances of success. What are suitable exercises for stroke patients?
As exercises after a stroke suitable are endurance sports such as hiking, walking, (Nordic) walking, water gymnastics and swimming. Also cycling after a stroke is also a good idea. All this, of course, can also be done indoors in the form of training on the treadmill or the indoor cycle can be carried out.
A targeted strength training according to the stroke supports recovery by promoting the development of muscles. This makes everyday activities such as walking easier. For strength training, fitness equipment can be used, but also small equipment such as therabands or light dumbbells. dumbbells. In the beginning, the patient's existing strength will be low. Nevertheless, regular training should be started on muscle building after a stroke should be worked on. Fitness equipment with motor support can also be used. Here you can individually set how strong the user of the device should be supported, and also adjust this at any time.
Important is also a balance training after a Stroke. After a stroke, there are often balance deficits that interfere with free standing and increase the risk of falling. Also specific exercises for a paralyzed arm after the stroke are recommended.
Research keeps sport after stroke useful
Studies show that sport after a stroke is useful and recommended. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international research network that assesses these studies for their scientific quality and summarises the current state of knowledge. This is intended to provide guidance for doctors, health policy makers, health insurers, therapists, fitness experts and patients.
On the topic Sport after stroke the Cochrane Collaboration found 58 trials involving a total of almost 2,800 men and women. Different types of fitness training were studied: cardiorespiratory or endurance training, resistance or strength training, and a mixed training programme of cardiorespiratory and resistance training.
It was found that physical performance as well as walking ability were improved by the cardiorespiratory training (mainly with running exercises). The mixed fitness program resulted in improved walking ability and balance. Evidence that exercise after a Stroke leads to injury or other health problems, there was none. Sports exercises after a stroke therefore turned out to be harmless.
Important: Ask the doctor beforehand!
Before affected persons start sport after a stroke stroke, a doctor must be consulted. In any case, the type and intensity of the fitness training should be discussed with him. Many patients are unsure whether they are allowed to do sport again after a stroke or whether it can be harmful. This caution is not unjustified, because one should take care of oneself during the physical training after a stroke under no circumstances. Shortness of breath, for example, should be avoided. But if the doctor gives the okay Sport after a stroke nothing stands in the way!
You are the owner of a health-oriented studio? In addition to prevention, rehabilitation is playing an increasingly important role here. Especially health studios are the optimal provider of such a rehabilitation training. With your equipment and devices you are able to offer an individually adapted and dosed training. On fitnessmarkt.de you can expand your studio with high-quality rehabilitation and therapy equipment of many different brands and rehabilitation sport after a stroke after a stroke.
Find your suitable physiotherapy equipment at an unbeatable price now!
Find physiotherapy equipment now
Editors fitnessmarkt.de (SIS)
Image Source: #136686113 © highwaystarz / Adobe Stock
Published on: 18 December 2018