Exercise Benefits For Paralyzed Person

Exercise varies depending on your level of injury, but everyone can benefit from some form of physical activity. Creating a fitness program is good for the mind and the body, but always check with your doctor before starting or modifying any exercise regime.

Individuals living with paralysis who exercise have:

Improved breathing ability

Greater muscle strength and stamina

Improved circulation

Decreased body fat

More normal levels of fats (lipids) in the blood

Improved self-esteem

Enhanced immune system function

Decreased risk of diabetes

Physical activity has been shown to help prevent some secondary conditions related to spinal cord injury, such as urinary tract infections, pressure sores, respiratory infections and constipation. People living with spinal cord injury who are more active have fewer of these complications than those who are less active.

If you feel unsure about your chances of recovery from post-stroke paralysis, these exercises will empower you to actively do something for your recovery as well as taking charge of your body.

Active vs Passive Rehab Exercise

Active rehab exercise involves doing a movement on your own.

Passive exercise involves assisting your affected limbs through a movement. This is where stroke patients with paralysis should start.

Passive exercise helps with paralysis recovery because it involves using your non-affected side to move your paralyzed muscles; and any type of movement sends signals to the brain.

Sometimes passive exercise will require the help of a caregiver, therapist, or family member to move the affected arm or leg though pain-free range of motion.

Passive Exercise Helps Post-Stroke Paralysis

Passive rehab exercise helps paralysis recovery because it activates neuroplasticity, the mechanism that your brain uses to rewire itself after injury.

Although passive exercise may not feel like you’re “doing it yourself,” the stimulation of sensation and movement activates neuroplasticity and sends signals to the brain.

When stroke damages part of your brain, neuroplasticity allows other parts of the brain to create a new pathway. Neuroplasticity is how you regain movement after stroke.

You can activate neuroplasticity through repetition and constant awareness of your affected side. You send signals to the brain every time you look at your arm, touch it, clasp your hands together, or move your arm.

If you want to regain movement after post-stroke paralysis, then you need to practice passive stroke exercises repetitively on a daily basis.

In the beginning, start with passive exercise. As you slowly regain small amounts of movement, you can gradually progress to active exercises.

Progress can be very slow. However, once patients see twitches or tiny movements start to come back, it will motivate them to continue with their passive exercise.

For example, one stroke survivor started to see twitches in his paralyzed arm after three weeks of exercising with FitMi home therapy. This proves the power of daily practice.