Functional recovery is possible, even years after a stroke. Learn how to harness neuroplasticity through repetitive exercise, and the all-around health benefits of staying active after stroke or brain injury.

The Ultimate Guide to Stroke Exercises

Having a stroke is a mentally and physically taxing experience. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), 15 million people suffer from stroke worldwide
each year. Of these, 5 million people die, and many survivors are left
permanently disabled.

Stroke survivors may lose physical abilities and cognitive skills or undergo
behavioral changes because strokes cause temporary or permanent damage to the
brain areas that control those functions.

But here is the good news: the brain is able to recover after stroke, whether
initially or months to years later. While short-term recovery after stroke
(called spontaneous recovery) is limited to the first six months, long-term
functional recovery can occur at any point thereafter
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020059/#B100]. Stroke survivors
who continue to engage their affected side in daily activity and exercise can
capitalize on functional recovery potential throughout their stroke journey.

The Importance of Stroke Exercise for Rehabilitation and Recovery
The brain is capable of rewiring and repairing itself even if its cells are
damaged. The undamaged parts step in to perform the tasks that the damaged parts
were performing. This phenomenon (called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/tips-for-unlocking-neuroplasticity-after-stroke-part-1]
) allows stroke survivors to regain lost movement and function. The key to
neuroplasticity is the consistent performance of repetitive tasks so that the
brain can relearn how to perform these tasks through different neural pathways.

In simpler words, stroke exercise is one of the most effective means by which
stroke patients can heal themselves, get stronger, improve the quality of their
lives, and maximize their recovery from stroke. Because lifestyle factors
[https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/stroke-risk-factors-and-prevention#:~:text=Lifestyle%20factors%20that%20increase%20your,diet%20and%20lack%20of%20exercise.] 
like being overweight and having high blood pressure are a common cause of
stroke, daily exercise becomes even more important in reducing the risk for
recurrent stroke and other complications. 

No matter the severity of the stroke, survivors can improve their quality of
life through healthy lifestyle changes and engagement in restorative activities.
Whether implementing big changes or small ones, the key to meaningful functional
recovery is engaging in your post-stroke routine changes consistently. 

The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Stroke Recovery Exercises
Let’s look at some of the important physical and mental health benefits of
engaging in stroke rehabilitation exercises. Post-stroke exercise is shown to
produce many positive outcomes, which may include:

Physical benefits
 1. Speeds up all-round stroke recovery
 2. Recovers strength
 3. Improves endurance
 4. Increases walking speed
 5. Improves balance
 6. Boosts the ability to perform daily routine activities
 7. Prevents the recurrence of strokes.

Mental benefits
 1. Reduces depression and enhances mood
 2. Boosts brain health
 3. Relieves stress
 4. Helps in increasing a sense of self-worth and self-reliance that can
    decrease after a stroke
 5. Gives patients a sense of purpose and a goal to work towards.

Exercises to help Patients in Stroke Recovery at Home
The positive effects of post-stroke exercise are undeniable. However, when
setting up an exercise routine as a stroke survivor, it is important to
incorporate both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strengthening to ensure the
most effective outcomes.

Stroke exercises are always safer to do with a loved one or caregiver around.
However, if that is not possible, patients can modify an exercise program to
ensure safe performance. For instance, completing exercises from sitting as
opposed to standing to avoid loss of balance. It is also wise to consult a
doctor or a therapist should any uncertainties about any of the stroke exercises
arise or if you have any other underlying health condition.

Cardiovascular Fitness
Aerobic exercise is fundamental to building a healthy heart, improving
endurance, and maintaining healthy lungs. Cardiovascular exercise can also
improve the sensory perception and motor skills of stroke survivors. Walking
outside or on a treadmill, stationary cycling, recumbent cross training and many
other forms of exercise that get your heart pumping are extremely beneficial for
stroke recovery.

Stroke survivors must get at least 20-60 minutes of light to moderate aerobic
exercise (50 to 80% of your maximum heart rate) 3 to 7 days a week to improve
the chances of stroke recovery. Patients can choose to do aerobic exercise at
one go or in smaller sessions during the day.

Resistance Exercises for Strengthening Muscles
Resistance training or muscle strength training plays a crucial role in
post-stroke recovery, as it helps to recover physical strength, stamina,
stability, and improve range of motion.

Here are some commonly prescribed exercises for stroke recovery at home:

1. Wrist Curls
Equipment: A stable chair with armrests (preferably padded), light weights, or
any household object which can provide some resistance and is easy to grip.

How To Do It: Sit up straight on the chair. Place your arms on the rests with
your palms facing upward. Let your wrists dangle over the edge of the armrests.
Grasp the weights firmly and comfortably, and with slow controlled movements,
bend your wrist up towards your forearm and back down again (only your wrists
should be moving).

Benefits: Wrist curls are isolated movements that build forearm strength,
improve range of motion, and enhance gripping ability.

2. Wrist and Hand Stretch
Equipment: Stable chair with armrests.

How To Do It: With your arms facing downward and your wrists dangling over the
edge of the armrest, drop your hand down and use your other hand to gently lift
your wrist up and down and side to side.

Benefits: This simple movement stretches the ligaments in the wrist and forearms
to maintain range of motion.

Modification: If you add a weight while completing this exercise, you are
completing a reverse wrist curl, strengthening the muscles on the opposite side
of your forearm.

3. Shoulder Openers
Equipment: Light weights or any light object that can be gripped easily and will
provide some resistance.

How To Do It: Grasping your weights (make fists with your fingers facing
inwards), hold your arms at your sides, and bend your elbows 90 degrees. With
slow controlled movements, move your fists outwards while keeping your arms in
position at your sides (like you are opening a door). Bring your arms back to
your starting stance. (Can be performed both sitting or standing).

Benefits: This exercise improves range of motion and strength in the shoulders.

4. Table Towel Slide
Equipment: Folded Towel and table.

How To Do It: Place the towel in front of you. With your weaker hand on the
towel and your stronger hand on top of it, slide the towel away and towards you
(using your stronger hand to guide and push). Apart from going back and forth,
you could also go clock and counter-clockwise, forming circles on the table.

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens shoulder and arm muscles and promotes
neuroplasticity through improved arm coordination.

5. Trunk Bends
Equipment: A stable chair.

How To Do It: Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet planted slightly
apart but firmly on the ground. Bend forward as far as you can, and try to reach
your ankles or the floor between your legs. Then use your core muscles for
sitting back up as straight as you can.

Benefits: Improves core strength and helps with weight shifting.

6. Knee Rotations
Equipment: Firm, flat surfaces such as a bed or a mat.

How To Do It: Lie on your back and rest your hands by your sides. Bend your
knees with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees together, drop them,
slowly, to the left then, bring them back to the center. Then drop them to the
right and back to the center.

Benefits: Improves core, back strength, coordination, and balance.

7. Hip Abduction
Equipment: Stable chair.

How To Do It: Sit up straight on the edge of your chair. Gently tighten your abs
and straighten one knee. With your toes pointed to the ceiling, slowly move your
foot out to the side. Return to the starting stance, then repeat on the other
side. You can decrease the intensity by lying down and performing this exercise
or make it more difficult by attempting this from standing, if you are capable.

Benefits: Strengthens hips, core, leg, back, and improves coordination and
stability.

8. Standing Knee Raises
Equipment: A firm surface to hold on to.

How To Do it: Stand with your back straight and hold on to a firm surface.
Shifting your weight to one leg, bring the other leg up in front of you while
bending your knee to a 90-degree angle. Hold for a few seconds and resume the
starting position. Then switch legs.

Benefits: Strengthens upper and lower abs, hips, and back. It also helps with
posture, balance, and coordination.

9. Sit to Stands
Equipment: Stable chair.

How To Do it: Sit up tall in your chair with your knees bent (90 degrees). Place
your feet firmly on the floor shoulder-width apart. Slowly rise to a standing
position while ensuring that your knees never cross the tips of your toes. Sit
back down slowly and in a controlled manner. To make it less intense, use your
arms for support, and to make it more difficult, cross your arms on your chest.

Benefits: Strengthens core and upper thigh muscles, improves weight shifting and
balance.

10. Hip Thrusts



Equipment: A flat, firm surface like a bed or a mat.

How To Do it: Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent.
Place your arms by your sides, palms down. Gently contract your abs and squeeze
your glutes (backside muscles) to lift your hips and make a bridge. Hold on this
position for a few seconds and lower to the starting stance. You can make it
easier by straightening your legs and placing a rolled-up towel under your
knees, then squeezing and lifting your hips. You could also make it more intense
by lifting one foot at a time while holding the bridge.

Benefits: It boosts the strength of the core, glutes, lower back muscles, and
muscles that support the spine.

Frequency and Intensity of Stroke Exercises
Stroke exercise is most beneficial if done consistently and repetitively. It is
always best to consult your medical team about the type and frequency of
exercises that are optimal for your unique situation. Do not risk your safety by
attempting things that you are unsure about.

As a guideline, resistance exercises should be done 3-5 times a week. 2-3 sets
of 12-15 repetitions (of each exercise) should be completed to achieve
noticeable results. A survivor who is new to exercise post-stroke exercises may
have to work up to the ideal frequency of exercise over time. 

Stroke exercise should never cause pain. Pain may indicate that you are causing
new or lasting damage to your muscles and joints. If your exercises produce a
burning, shooting, or otherwise uncomfortable sensation, stop immediately and
modify the activity (ex. reduce weight, perform the exercise within a smaller
range of motion). If it is not possible to perform the activity without pain,
remove it from your program and ask your doctor. 

Conclusions
A stroke results in drastic and sudden changes in life that can leave survivors
struggling physically, socially, and emotionally. However, proper stroke
exercise is the path to reclaiming the body, mind, and quality of life. With
determination and hard work, there is light at the end of the tunnel and a more
promising future ahead.



For more information, support, or to know more about the latest developments in
stroke recovery, give us a call at (888) 623-8984 or email at info@neofect.com.

Post-Stroke

Having good balance after a brain injury is crucial. Here are 5 sitting and standing exercises that you can start today for improved performance and safety.

10 Exercises to Improve Balance After Brain Injury

A brain injury can be a life-changing event, in ways both big and small. There
are many different causes of brain injuries, which include not only concussions
and traumatic brain injuries, but also events such as a stroke. Depending on the
severity of the brain injury and where in the brain the injury occurred, the
ability to balance may be affected. It is important to address balance issues to
decrease the risk of falls and other associated injuries, such as broken bones.


Balance Problems After Brain Injury: An Overview
 * How a Brain Injury Affects Balance
 * How to Improve Balance After Brain Injury
 * 5 Seated Exercises to Improve Balance
 * 5 Standing Exercises to Improve Balance

Balance problems including dizziness or lightheadedness may come on suddenly
after brain injury. You can make your daily activities safer by inviting a
supportive companion and identifying places to rest if needed. Post-Brain Injury Balance Disorders
Balance is a key part of everyday life and involves the coordination of many
different systems within our bodies. We use our ability to balance for
everything; from sitting and standing upright to walking and performing daily
tasks such as, cooking, cleaning, and self-care. Common balance disorders after
a brain injury may include:

 * A sensation of dizziness where it may seem as if you or your surroundings are
   moving.
 * Unsteadiness when standing upright and walking
 * Lightheadedness and associated unsteadiness

Issues with balance can occur as a result of damage to structures within the
inner ear (vestibular system), difficulty with eyesight (vision), or damage to
parts of the brain that help us sense where our body is in space
(proprioception). After a brain injury, most patients will work with their
doctor to determine the specific cause of imbalance. The doctor will monitor
things such as blood pressure and medication use, to ensure that these are not
contributing factors to a patient’s symptoms.



 Improving Balance After a Brain Injury
Some patients may attend physical therapy to begin working on improving their
balance. A therapist will perform a detailed evaluation in order to establish a
personalized treatment plan for each patient. Prescribed treatment and exercises
will then be performed to help improve symptoms. It is important to address both
strength and flexibility when exercising, since our bodies use different
strategies from various muscle groups to help us stay upright.

 5 Seated Strengthening Exercises to Improve Balance
 1. Practice sitting upright without support so that you have to use your core
    muscles. If this is easy, you can attempt to reach up, down, and to the
    side, and then return to center.



 2. If sitting on a stable surface (such as a hard chair) and reaching is also
    too easy, you can practice sitting on a less stable surface to further
    challenge your balance. For example, sit on a soft cushion, then progress to
    something like a big therapy ball. Be sure to stay in a corner or near a
    stable surface, so that you may have something to hold onto for safety as
    needed.
    
    
 3. Ankle exercises are also important because the muscles in our ankles are
    often some of the first to contract when we experience a loss of balance.
    Ankle exercises include performing heel raises and toe raises when sitting.
    You can also make circles, or trace the alphabet with your foot. Just be
    sure to hold your leg still so the movement is isolated only to the ankle
    joint and not the hip or knee joints.
    
    
    
 4. Practice moving from sitting to standing to strengthen your hip muscles.
    Use a light resistance band placed around the upper thighs to practice 
    clamshells
    [https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/the-clamshell-exercise].
    A clamshell exercise can be performed by opening and closing the legs to
    work the outer hip muscles.
    
    
 5. Place a pillow between your knees and practice squeezing the pillow. Hold
    each squeeze for five seconds. This exercise will work the inner thigh
    muscles. Work up to performing three sets of ten repetitions of each
    exercise.
    
    

 5 Standing Exercises to Improve Strength and Balance
 1. Stretch your calf muscles to provide enough motion at the ankle joint for
    walking and balancing. You can use a stair at home and let one heel hang off
    the stair while holding onto the railing. Or you can perform a “Runner’s
    Stretch
    [https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/photo-gallery/3102547/image/3102808/Wall-Calf-Stretch]
    ” at the wall. Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds.
 2. Perform the heel and toe raises for ankle strengthening in standing vs.
    sitting for added resistance.
    
 3. Perform “mini squats [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8XutSsocx4]” at a
    support surface, such as the counter or back of a sofa. Be sure to send your
    bottom backwards as if you are sitting in an invisible chair, so that your
    knees do not go over your toes.
 4. Challenge your balance in standing. First, stand with your feet together. If
    this is easy, you can switch your foot position and place one foot in front
    of the other so the heel of your front foot touches the toes of your back
    foot. Progress to standing on one foot
    [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SF7AYh2_Yw] when you are ready. Try to
    hold each position for at least 30 seconds. You can make this activity even
    more challenging by closing your eyes, or performing head turns or nods
    while attempting to balance.
 5. Perform reaching in standing and try to move your arms and body over your
    feet without moving your feet. You can practice reaching up, down, and side
    to side. To make exercises four and five even more challenging, you can try
    standing and reaching on an unstable surface. For example, place a couch
    cushion on the floor and try balancing and reaching while standing on the
    cushion.

Always have family member or friend supervise for safety during balance
exercises.
As with any physical activity, please make sure you have been cleared by your
doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Also, because you will be
challenging your balance, please make sure that you perform these activities
with a caregiver or near a stable surface that can provide support to prevent
falls or additional injury.  Balance work can be challenging, but it will make a
difference in your ability to perform daily activities safely and independently.


Call (888) 623-8984 or email info@neofect.com to rehab smarter with Neofect
today!

Balance

There are some common symptoms in left and right side stroke, but various symptoms occur depending on the affected part of the brain stroke.

5 symptoms of left/right stroke

As the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
[http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/], stroke
is a fairly common occurrence. Therefore, it is beneficial to know the symptoms
of stroke and how a stroke can affect different body functions.



A stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body,
while a stroke on the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the
body. Brain functions are not perfectly symmetrical, though. This is why a
stroke on the left versus right side of the brain might have different effects.

Reviewing the many structures and functions of the brain can help better
understand the differences between a right or left side stroke.


Brain Structures and Functions Overview

 * About the brain
 * Symptoms - left side stroke
 * Symptoms - right side stroke
 * Symptoms - cerebellum/brainstem stroke
 * Conclusion


About the brain
The brain has many different roles:

 * Responsible for activities such as movement, memory, sensing, language,
   learning, and emotions
 * Regulates survival functions like metabolism
 * Takes up only 2% of body space, but it consumes 20% of the body’s energy!

The brain is a small organ with an average weight of three pounds. Yet, it’s an
incredibly complex one: made up of 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion
synapses.

The brain is divided into 3 main areas:


1) Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain. The brain is made up of 2
hemispheres, the left hemisphere, and the right hemisphere. Each hemisphere is
responsible for controlling different functions in our bodies.

For example, the left hemisphere is responsible for: logic, language skills,
oral function, sequencing, linear thinking, mathematics, critical thinking, and
judgment/reasoning. The right hemisphere is responsible for: imagination, art,
nonverbal cues, visualization, rhythm, and intuition.

The saying that people are creative "right-brained" thinkers or analytical
"left-brained" thinkers is a simplified way to explain the fact that some
proceeses and functions reside more in one half of the brain than the other.

Physically, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and
the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. For example, if
the left side of the body is affected, then the stroke likely happened in the
right hemisphere. What if the right side of the body is affected? You guessed
it, the left hemisphere of the brain was affected by the stroke. This is called
a contralateral relationship.


2) Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the back of the cerebrum. Even though it is smaller
than the cerebrum, it actually contains more nerve cells. The cerebellum is
involved in controlling muscle tones, from contracting to relaxing. The
cerebellum also coordinates voluntary body movements to ensure the smooth
performance of activities like balancing, walking, and reaching.


3) Brainstem
The brainstem is located in the middle of the brain, connecting the brain and
spinal cord. Since the brainstem plays a major role in sustaining life
functions, damage to the brainstem can be fatal. Its roles include:

 1. Life-sustaining functions such as breathing, consciousness, and temperature
    control
 2. Transmitting movement and sensory signals from the brain to the spinal cord
    for passage throughout the nervous system


Five Symptoms of Left and Right Side Strokes


Common Symptoms of a Stroke in the Left Side of the Brain
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on its
severity. However, if someone has a left side stroke it can cause the following
five symptoms:



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the right side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain and not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Aphasia (speaking, language problems)
    Since the left side of the brain controls language many people who have
    suffered from a left-sided stroke may have difficulties speaking or
    understanding language, this is called aphasia.
    
    
 3. Cognitive impairments
    The left side of the brain controls critical thinking, judgment, reasoning,
    and sequencing, therefore, having a stroke on the left side of the brain can
    cause someone to have varying levels of cognitive impairments.
    
    
 4. Swallowing Difficulties
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/swallowing-changes-after-stroke]
    The left side of the brain controls all oral functions which include chewing
    and swallowing. After a left-sided stroke one may have trouble chewing and
    swallowing. One may be put on a feeding tube until they are able to relearn
    how to swallow or chew.
    
    
 5. Visual impairments
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/vision-changes-after-stroke]
    After having a stroke on the left side of the brain it is common for someone
    to suffer from visual impairments in the right eye. It is common for someone
    to lose half of their visual field in their right eye which is called
    hemianopia. One may also present with neglect to the right side of the body
    which is called visuospatial neglect.
    
    

All of the above-noted symptoms of a left-sided stroke are caused by damage in
the brain. In order to retrain the brain after a left-sided stroke, it is
important to strengthen the neural pathways that control all of these behaviors
and movements by doing repetitive exercises. The more repetitive exercises and
movements one does, the stronger the pathways in the brain will become. This is
called neuroplasticity.



Common Symptoms of a Stroke in the Right Side of the Brain
The right side of the brain controls the ability to pay attention, recognize
things you see, hear or touch, and be aware of your own body. Below are some
common symptoms that right side stroke includes.



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the left side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain affecting nerve signal
    transmission to the rest of the body, not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Agnosia
    The ability to recognize objects, faces, voices or places can change after a
    brain injury. Individuals may need help interpreting an object with
    non-visual cues to make up for their inability to tell what something is
    with their eyes. In most cases, the body's ability to recognize things
    increases over time. However, some people will not fully recover from
    agnosia.
    
    
 3. Anomia
    The ability to recall names of everyday objects may be affected. Despite
    knowing the purpose or shape of the object, the person will feel like the
    target word is on the "tip of their tongue" but not be able to remember it.
    This skill can get better over time, but for some, anomia will be a lasting
    communication problem.
    
    
 4. Attention
    Focusing attention on a conversation or paying attention to multiple things
    at once may be impacted by stroke. There are ways that individuals can use
    external reminders and aids to make up for attention deficits.
    
    
 5. Perseveration (the repetition of a particular response)
    Someone may have difficulty maintaining conversation or sequencing movement
    correctly. They may repeat a word or action or not be able to control the
    speed of their response. During a conversation, they might get stuck on a
    sentence or idea. During a task, they might continue to perform a part of
    the action and not move onto the next step. In these cases, treatment is
    needed with help to control behavior so that the patient can understand how
    to move through the entire task again.
    
    



Symptoms of stroke in the cerebellum and brainstem
1) Symptoms of a cerebellum stroke

Although strokes are less common in the cerebellum area, the effects can be
severe.
Common effects of strokes in the cerebellum include:

 * Inability to walk and problems with coordination and balance (ataxia
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-ataxia])


2) Symptoms of a brainstem stroke

The brainstem is located at the base of the brain right above the spinal cord.
Many of the body’s vital “life-support” functions are controlled by the
brainstem. It also helps to control the main nerves involved with eye movement,
chewing, and swallowing and maintains the homeostasis.

Examples of functions on brainstem:

 * Breathing and heart functions
 * Body temperature control
 * Balance and coordination
 * Chewing, swallowing, and speaking
 * Vision
 * Coma

A stroke in the brainstem can be fatal. Some individuals who survive brainstem
strokes are left with Locked-In Syndrome
[https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/locked-in-syndrome/], a rare condition
in they cannot make voluntary movements other than with their eyes.





Conclusion

The human nervous system has neuroplasticity. While damaged brain cells will not
survive, neurons in intact brain areas continue to expand and change even after
the acute incident (from 6 months and beyond).

These neurons can take over the information and roles that the damaged area was
responsible for, and the body changes accordingly. Neuroplasticity regenerates
the brain's nerves and improves body functions through sensory and motor stimuli
from the outside. This is why ongoing rehabilitation is beneficial after a
stroke.

One way to continue to make progress in strengthening your neural pathways is
using Neofect Smart Glove or Smart Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home].
These products can help the brain's ability to rewire itself and to increase the
range of motion and strength in the upper extremities. The best part is that
they do this with fun and engaging games! To learn more about the Neofect Smart
Rehab Solutions, please call us at 888-623-8947 or email us at 
contactus@neofect.com.

--
Source

 * National Stroke Association - http://www.stroke.org/
 * Johns Hopkins Medicine - 
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke

Stroke Symptoms

5 Symptoms and Differences of Left and Right Side Strokes

Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body, including the limbs, face, or eyes. It is usually considered a symptom of an underlying diagnosis.

What is Ataxia?

Ataxia Overview
Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body,
including the limbs, face, or eyes. (1) It is a rare disorder with many proposed
forms that are thought to affect common actions including walking, reaching,
speaking, and seeing. Ataxia is usually considered to be a symptom of an
underlying diagnosis like stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis, or a
brain tumor, rather than an independent occurrence. (2) For purposes of this
article, we will discuss ataxia as a neurological symptom, its effects on upper
and lower extremity function, and supportive strategies to improve daily living
skills while living with ataxia.



What causes ataxia?
Ataxia often results from damage to a brain area called the cerebellum, a
structure that regulates coordination of movement and balance. It can affect one
side of the body (known as hemi-ataxia) or both, and can occur at any age
depending on its underlying cause. Ataxia can present quickly, following an
acute event like a stroke, or slowly over the course of years alongside a
neurodegenerative disease. For individuals with CP, ataxia may be present from
birth. At this time, there is no cure for ataxia; however, prompt therapeutic
intervention can improve functional outcomes. (2, 3, 4)



What does ataxia look like?
Ataxia symptoms can make an individual look as if they are clumsy. Ataxia
affecting the arms can cause difficulty holding and using objects as well as
decreased accuracy in reaching targets. Symptoms of ataxia affecting the core
and legs might present as impaired sitting or standing balance, unsteady
walking, and falling. (5) Unlike apraxia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-apraxia], another coordination
disorder, individuals with ataxia remain aware of the purpose of their actions
and associated tool use; however, their muscles do not respond in the correct
way to accomplish the desired task efficiently. (6)

Therapeutic Treatments for Ataxia
There are many different options for treating ataxia with the help of an
occupational or physical therapist. Conventional OT and PT services aim to
improve independence and safety with daily living tasks. Occupational therapy
focuses on life skills from the basics, like eating, dressing, and grooming, to
bigger-picture tasks related to performing optimally at school or work. Physical
therapy addresses posture, balance, and walking so the individual can move
around with less assistance. Both OT and PT may incorporate strengthening and
cooridnation exercises as well as adaptive equipment or assistive device
recommendations into their treatment plans.



Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT
[https://blog.neofect.com/using-neofect-smartglove-to-maximize-constraint-induced-movement-therapy/] 
is a therapeutic intervention that can improve grasping, reaching, and in-hand
manipulation skills by constraining an individual’s less affected arm in a mitt,
cast, or sling, thereby forcing them to use their more affected side for the
majority of the time. A therapist will then lead the individual through
intensive training involving repetitive task performance to promote improved
functional use of the limb and increased motivation to use it when not
constrained. CIMT is commonly performed with children, but can be done with
adults with ataxia as well. (7)

Hippotherapy
Also known as equine assisted therapy, horseback riding under the direction of
an occupational or physical therapist is another treatment that is shown to
improve mobility and coordination for individuals with ataxia. This intervention
engages multiple body systems through incorporation of activities including
achieving and changing positions while on horseback. Hippotherapy promotes
improved core strength and posture that extends into better walking skills and
more accurate reaching to targets. (8)

Virtual Reality (VR)
VR therapy is a newer approach to treating coordination disorders using a fun
and stimulating video game environment. Systems including the Nintendo Wii, XBox
Kinect, and NEOFECT Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/en/product/stroke-therapy-hand/] and Smart Board
incorporate motion-sensing technology to alter gameplay and provide feedback
about the quality of movement during repetitive task training. Studies
evaluating consistent use of these systems have shown that daily gameplay can
produce lasting improvements in arm and finger function for daily tasks. (9)



Ultimately, ataxia can be a challenging symptom to address due to the variety of
diagnoses that it may stem from. However, therapeutic interventions have shown
promise in reducing ataxia-related incoordination or providing means to
compensate for it. If you think you might be experiencing ataxia and are seeking
treatment options, please discuss your concerns with your medical team.

The NEOFECT [https://www.neofect.com/en/] line of Smart Rehabilitation Solutions
can assist with coordination difficulties stemming from stroke or other
neurological diagnoses. Our neurorehabilitation products include support from
occupational therapists to maximize functional gains. Please call (866) 534-4989
or email contactus@neofect.com for further inquiry.

 1. Columbia University Department of Neurology. (2015). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
    http://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/document.php?id=35869
 2. Ashizawa, T., & Xia, G. (2016). Ataxia. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.),
    22(4), 1208–1226. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000362
 3. Brunberg JA; Expert Panel on Neurologic Imaging. Ataxia. AJNR Am J
    Neuroradiol. 2008 Aug;29(7):1420-1422.
 4. Fernandez, H. (2019). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
    http://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/About/Movement-Disorder-Overviews/Ataxia.htm
 5. National Ataxia Foundation. (2019). What is Ataxia? Retrieved from 
    https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/#ataxiaSymptoms
 6. NORD National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2003). Apraxia. Retrieved
    from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/
 7. Reiss, A. P., Wolf, S. L., Hammel, E. A., Mcleod, E. L., & Williams, E. A.
    (2012). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): Current Perspectives and
    Future Directions. Stroke Research and Treatment, 1–8. doi:
    10.1155/2012/159391
 8. Shurtleff, T. L., Standeven, J. W., & Engsberg, J. R. (2009). Changes in
    Dynamic Trunk/Head Stability and Functional Reach After Hippotherapy.
    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(7), 1185–1195. doi:
    10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026
 9. Hartley, H., Cassidy, E., Bunn, L., Kumar, R., Pizer, B., Lane, S., &
    Carter, B. (2019). Exercise and Physical Therapy Interventions for Children
    with Ataxia: A Systematic Review. The Cerebellum. doi:
    10.1007/s12311-019-01063-z

For more information on Ataxia
National Ataxia Foundation - What is Ataxia [https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/]
Mayo Clinic - Ataxia
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ataxia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355652]
Johns Hopkins Medicine - Ataxia
[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/ataxia/conditions/index.html]
WebMD - Ataxia: What Are the Types?
[https://www.webmd.com/brain/ataxia-types-brain-and-nervous-system#1]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

Ella is a personal development blogger, habit coach, motivational speaker, and stroke thriver.

Stroke Recovery Stories- Ella's Story



Ella is a personal development blogger, habit coach, motivational speaker, and
stroke thriver. As someone who overcame the huge life changes that stem from
having a stroke at the young age of 14, Ella pushed herself forward and used her
experiences with stroke to bring awareness and positivity to the stroke
community.

Her Story:

“There’s no way this is anything more than a standard migraine,” I thought while
clutching my head sitting on the bathroom floor in tears.
I was confused because I never experienced headaches or migraines, yet what I
was feeling in that moment felt like my head was about to explode. I decided to
suck it up, so I grabbed a book from my locker and headed to my fifth period
grade 9 drama class. I walked into class and immediately passed out from what I
thought was simply the pain in my head. What actually happened was a malformed
group of blood vessels in my cerebellum had just ruptured, and the “migraine" I
felt was my brain absorbing the blood.

On that day, January 10, 2008, not even 3 months after my 14th birthday, I
experienced an arteriovenous malformation
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriovenous-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350544] 
rupture in my cerebellum, and 2 hemorrhagic strokes. And boy did that screw up
my plans of playing soccer professionally and being a big shot lawyer.

Since the damage occurred on the left side of my cerebellum and right side of my
cortex, I lost some control over the left side of my body. I also experienced
balance loss, a period of short-term memory loss, a diagnosis of dysarthria
[https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria/], and some peripheral
vision loss. Rehab consisted mostly of physiotherapy, the use of a walker (which
was not fun whatsoever), and frequent appointments with a speech pathologist.
And although I was 14 at the time, athletic, healthy, and gung-ho
[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gung%20ho] on rehabilitating, a
couple years after my injury I noticed some lasting effects. “Why can’t I solve
math equations as quick as I used to? Why are the passes with my left foot on
the soccer field not going the direction I want them to? Why can’t my left hand
grip the barbell like my right hand when I do deadlifts at the gym?” Although
these effects were minor, stacked on top of each other, they began to get me
down. Long story short, I spent years upon years wondering if my broken brain
meant I was simply a broken person. I constantly teetered the line between
feeling worthless and feeling gung-ho about recovery. Eventually my teetering
became 1-sided and I couldn’t bare the self-hate anymore…



Finally, in June 2017 (brain injury awareness month in Canada
[https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/category/brain-injury-awareness-month/]) I
spoke out for the first time and conducted my first independent public talk on
brain injury awareness. I briefly touched on the physical effects, but most
importantly I discussed the mental rehabilitation + personal development that
led me to become a vibrant person again. After my injury I came to recognize the
beauty of existence. And through the power of habit and a lot of hard work, I
learned to retrain my brain to become the person I am today.

Here I am today, grateful for my brain injury that taught me to love my life. If
you’ve ever hit rock bottom because of a brain injury, mental health, or any
other experience in your life, I want you to know that with the right doses of
self-care, self-development, and self-discipline, you too can retrain your
brain!



I now blog and speak on everything I’ve learned in the past 11 years of
retraining my brain after my injury. I also coach others on using the power of
habit to help them retrain their brains as well!
Years later, I can finally say I wake up each morning happy. I couldn’t be more
grateful for the gift of my brain injury.



We are grateful that Ella has lent her voice to the community in light of
bringing positivity and acceptance to a severe neurological disorder. To keep up
with her you can find her at www.ellasofia.ca [http://www.ellasofia.ca] or by
following her socials @ellasssofia

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

stroke survivor story

Stroke Recovery Stories - Ella's Story

One of the most widely known diseases associated with such an important organ(cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem) is a stroke. 

Understanding Your Brain and Stroke

＊The Brain, the Most Important Human Organ
An adult’s brain weighs only about 3 lbs, but it is known to be one of the most
important organs in our bodies. Because the brain is very soft and delicate, it
is susceptible to damage under external force and can also be susceptible to
damage from internal forces like strokes and aneurysms as well. The brain
produces clear, colorless liquid called the cerebrospinal fluid that flows
outside the brain, and the brain is protected by floating within this liquid.
The cerebrospinal fluid helps to mitigate external impact and lessen outside
forces. The brain can be divided into three different parts based on where they
are located: The cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brain stem in between.



The brain is responsible for almost all functions related to seeing, hearing,
thinking, moving, and feeling. The different parts of the brain are closely
linked with each other in complex ways, enabling us to do a variety of different
things. These connections enable us to perform complex activities as part of our
daily lives. When the parts of the brain responsible for such complex activities
are damaged, the result is difficulty in the areas that those functions of the
brain controls.




＊Functions of brain part

 * Cerebrum: Responsible for higher-level thinking, such as language,
   calculation, thoughts, judgment, etc.
 * Cerebellum: Contributes to coordination and precision in movement
 * Brain stem: In charge of vital functions for survival, such as consciousness,
   respiration, heart rate, movements of the stomach and intestines, etc.


＊The brain and stroke
One of the most widely known diseases associated with such an important organ is
a stroke. Stroke refers to the disruption in the blood supply to the brain,
resulting from a clot or a bleed, which leads to the death of brain cells within
a short period of time. This leads to deficits in the areas mentioned above
based on the area of the brain that was affected.

Someone in the US has a stroke about once every 40 seconds. Each year, about
795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 610,000 of
these are first attacks, and 185,000 are recurrent attacks. Stroke is the
leading cause of long term disability in the US. As can be seen in the
statistics, stroke is a much more common occurrence than many people know, and
many are suffering from the aftereffects of this disease.



Individuals who have had strokes face ongoing difficulties in their daily lives
due to conditions such as hemiplegia. “Neofect Home
[https://www.neofect.com/us/]” was developed to provide these patients with the
opportunity to receive hand and arm rehabilitation whenever and wherever they
want. The internal artificial intelligence algorithm gives recommendations on
suitable games for the patients to guide their rehab program. These games
motivate users and enable patients to have fun during their rehabilitation
training. If you are interested in learning more about Neofect Smart Rehab
products, please visit our website for more information.


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone:(888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Vietnam Veteran who had 3 strokes: Michael Eustace



I went to move and I couldn’t. I moved forward and slid right onto the floor.
Started to get a little bit better and then I had another stroke. And then had
problems with the heart and wound up having 3 strokes and 1 heart attack.

I couldn’t move my arm, I couldn’t move my hand, I couldn’t do anything. At that
point I started to try to get better.
They kept saying, “What is your goal?”
I said my goal is to get up and walk again.
My goal is to get up and use my hand.

For me it was like it opened up a world of things that I could do with my hand,
and get more mobility, because it motivates you to do more. You don’t appreciate
things that you do before that you can’t do now.

"If it wasn’t for Neofect, I’d probably never bend my hand the way it is now."