Many stroke survivors notice that the hand takes the longest to recover after a stroke. This may become very frustrating for many.  However, there are two main techniques and exercises that can help speed the recovery of the hand up!

How Can I Regain Hand Function After a Stroke?


Many stroke survivors notice that the hand takes the longest to recover after a
stroke. This may become very frustrating for many. However, there are two main
techniques and exercises that can help speed the recovery of the hand up!

 * Repetitive hand exercises: Repetitive hand exercises are the most important
   step to hand recovery after a stroke. An occupational therapist will provide
   exercises that will strengthen the overall wrist, hand and fingers. It is
   important to perform these exercises as prescribed. Repetitive exercises are
   important in order to retrain your brain after a stroke, which we know based
   on the theory of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to
   rewire itself by finding alternative pathways for the area of the brain that
   was damaged secondary to a stroke. In order for the brain to rewire itself,
   it is important to perform repetitive movements.
 * Consistent exercise program: Consistency AND dosage are both important for
   lasting change to take place in an individual’s range of motion, coordination
   and timing. Repetition, consistency and high levels of engagement are often
   cited as key determinants in successful stroke rehabilitation.

NEOFECT has created two devices that work great in order to promote consistent
repetitive upper extremity exercises. Usually after a stroke, one will notice
that they will regain the use of proximal muscles (the shoulder) before the
distal muscles (hand and fingers). Therefore, it is recommended that one would
start with using NEOFECT’s Smart Board to address the shoulder and elbow.


The Smart Board takes the weight off of the user’s affected arm and focuses on
repetitive functional shoulder and elbow movements in order to increase overall
range of motion, coordination and timing through reach retraining activities in
a virtual reality world. The Smart Board provides therapeutic gaming activities
that simulate activities of daily living as well as some fun innovative games
that mimic movement patterns which are used in activities of daily living.

Once one has gained shoulder and elbow range of motion and strength, they
usually will start to notice some return in their wrist and overall hand
movements. Therefore, it is then recommend to use NEOFECT’s Smart Glove. The
Smart Glove is lightweight and portable, and can be taken anywhere, along with
the 10 inch mobile tablet it connects with. The Smart Glove is a biofeedback
tool that was created based on the theory of neuroplasticity.


The Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-the-neofect-smart-glove-stroke-rehab-device-aids-stroke-recovery] 
helps create a lot of repetition in a fun and engaging way. Each of the
activities encourage hand and wrist movements that are needed for daily life
activities, so you can work to getting back to your old self.

Research has shown that utilizing the Smart Glove and Smart Board 5 times per
week for at least 30 minutes per session has increased users upper extremity
function as well as overall quality of life. Therefore, consistency is key!

Another way to address hand function after a stroke is performing mirror box
therapy
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-exercises-using-mirror-therapy-and-mirror-neurons]
. Mirror box therapy has been shown to help address hand function in stroke
survivors. Mirror box therapy exercises are done by placing a mirror box in
front of a stroke survivor covering their affected limb. They then perform
repetitive movements with their unaffected limb while watching their reflection
in the mirror. By doing these exercises in the mirror it will give their brain
the impression that they are moving their affected limb. With time it will help
rewire the brain and increase range of motion in the affected limb.

Utilizing electrical stimulation
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-can-electrical-stimulation-help-after-a-stroke] 
can also help jump start the process of regaining function in your hand after a
stroke. Electrical stimulation therapy consists of taking electroids and
attaching them on to the skin over a muscle. Once the electrical stimulation
unit is activated it sends electrical currents to the muscle, causing it to
contract. Sending these electrical currents to the muscle and forcing the muscle
to contract repetitively will in short help the brain to create new neuro
pathways, which will in turn allow for muscle re-education. This happens through
neuroplasticity. Research has shown that In order to see the best results with
electrical stimulation therapy, you should combine it with massed practice of
repetitive functional exercises.

In summary, in order to regain hand function after a stroke it is very import to
perform consistent and repetitive upper extremity exercises. It is key to get on
a routine that you enjoy and can maintain!

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.