#Lifestyle

#Motivation

#Neofect Solutions

#Rehabilitation

Looking for a convenient and effective rehab solution for stroke and hemiplegic patients?  Meet NEOFECT's RAPAEL Smart Glove today.  It is an amazing digital rehabilitation home care solution for stroke patients and patients with hemiplegia.

Home Care Solution for Stroke and Hemiplegic Patients

The Reason Neofect Develop Digital Rehab Solutions for Stroke Patients and
Patients with Hemiplegia


With a warm heart, Neofect [http://www.neofect.com/us/] develops a rehab
training solution that stroke or hemiplegic patients can use anytime and
anywhere. Here is how it started!

Rehab trainings that help stroke patients and patients with hemiplegia reclaim
their daily lives they have lost. An ordinary life one hangs the wash out,
waters the flowerpot, and goes to grocery. Taking a walk down the street while
talking: the life we take for granted. Yet this routine is a series of
challenges for those who have gone through a stroke or hemiplegia.
Inconveniencies in their lives that have come under the name of disabilities.
Stroke and hemiplegic patients strive to move and talk as they used to before,
putting a great deal of time and work.

These patients all want to receive a consistent rehab training after stroke. Yet
not so many of them complete the training due to the geographical reason, the
long period of time, and the medical expenses piling up.

There are people who are spending days and nights to develop a rehab training
for these stroke patients and patients with hemiplegia. They are Neofect, a
healthcare startup specializing in digital rehabilitation solution.



Neofect’s major rehab home care program for stroke and hemiplegic patients is a 
Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove], which are equipped
with sensors that react to its game application.
Stroke patients and patients with hemiplegia in need of rehab put on these
gloves and move their hands while watching the gaming screen, so they can
improve the mobility and cognition of their hands. By turning the rehab process
into games, it keeps the patients motivated and encourages them to consistently
follow the trainings, making it easier for rehabilitating at home with no
restriction of space.

Furthermore, with active support from National Rehabilitation Center in Korea,
Neofect has also increased the value of its VR-based rehabilitation routine by
discovering the problems and needs at the actual sites where rehab sessions were
going on. National Rehabilitation Center also verified that compared to the
patient group that followed traditional rehabilitation methods only, the patient
group that used Neofect Smart Glove along with traditional rehabilitation shown
greater improvement in their mobilities.



- For the clinical trials, Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function
Test were employed to assess mobility, sense of balance and joint function after
stroke.

Neofect [http://www.neofect.com/us/] is a professional rehab solution company
which started out with concerns for the patients and their families. As he saw
the last moments of his father and his uncle when they were passing away due to
stroke, Neofect’s CEO Ho-young Ban keenly felt the necessity of trainings that
could reduce the financial burden for the patients while continuously improving
the rehab’s effect.

Then he started the business with his co-founder who was studying rehabilitation
engineering at that time. And after their constant investment in the R&D, they
finally developed the rehab solution it has today.


Three goals of Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us]

 1. Make rehab trainings available anytime and anywhere for everyone.
 2. Foster development of rehabilitation equipment for various body parts.
 3. Expand the home-care rehab market in the global market.

Still unsatisfied, Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] is also putting
lots of effort to develop a solution that makes the rehabilitation of more body
parts easier and to build up a solid foundation for overseas markets. This is
NEOFECT’s genuine concern for the patients and their families.
We aim for the warm touches to reclaim the daily lives the patients have lost.


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

Hemiplegia

Neofect: The Reason To Develop Digital Rehab Solutions for Stroke Patients and Patients with Hemiplegia

Move early for your stroke therapy and often to increase function.  Learn about effective stroke exercises with Smart Glove and Smart Board packages.

Stroke Therapy and Exercise: Move Early and Often to Increase Function

About Effective Stroke Exercise and Stroke Therapy


Act fast for your Stroke Therapy!

Nearly 75% of stroke survivors have difficulty with hand and arm movement after
stroke and only about 20% experience some functional recovery in the first 6
months. Focus on upper extremity exercise, particularly during inpatient
rehabilitation, is surprisingly low. In our previous post on stroke therapy dose
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/does-therapy-dose-really-matter-for-stroke-recovery/]
, we discussed the importance of greater intensity. When it comes to upper
extremity exercise and therapy, it seems that more is better for functional
outcomes.

Another way to increase stroke therapy dose is to apply an exercise program like 
the GRASP program [http://neurorehab.med.ubc.ca/grasp] that can be easily
self-administered and is flexible enough to work with a range of impairments.
When started early on after stroke in an in-patient setting, four weeks of GRASP
training improved arm and hand function compared to an education program.
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) can increase the dose of functional
training. Modified protocols are available to increase patient tolerance. Talk
to your therapist to see if these exercise and activity approaches would be a
good fit for your needs.

It’s also important to start moving EARLY when the brain is primed to re-wire
and re-organize itself. Neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/] 
is the brain’s ability to find alternative pathways for the area of the brain
that was damaged due to a stroke. If we were able to encourage an intensive
therapeutic program early in stroke or brain injury recovery, using a Smart
Rehabilitation Solution like the Neofect Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] or Smart Board
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board], it is likely that we could improve
motor function by taking advantage of the brain’s plasticity through repetition.



Post stroke depression is a common after effect of stroke for many individuals.
Depression has been found to have negative effects on functional recovery.
Physical exercise may help in providing a supportive treatment for depression.
It has been found that those that are able to manage post-stroke depression have
greater functional outcomes as well. The take away, exercise can assist in the
management of depression and prolonged depression can keep a stroke survivor
from making the fullest recovery possible.

Move as soon as possible for your stroke therapy when you plan your exercise
program after stroke! Our Smart Glove and Smart Board packages come with
clinical support to allow you to maximize your use of our devices for your
continued stroke therapy and exercise. As you look at different options for your
stroke recovery, our Smart Rehab Solutions may be a good fit for your needs,
call us to discuss your individual rehabilitation goals: (888) 623-8984
[tel:+18886238984].


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



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

References

 * The future of stroke rehabilitation: upper limb recovery ACNR (
   https://www.acnr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Page-61.pdf)
 * Winstein, et al. (2016). Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and
   Recovery (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STR.0000000000000098)

Repetition

"how often should I be doing my exercises?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear in rehabilitation practice.  Find out whether therapy dose is so important or not for stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

Does Therapy Dose Really Matter for Stroke Rehabilitation & Recovery?

Does therapy dose really matter for stroke recovery?

Does therapy dose really matter for stroke rehabilitation and recovery?
One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear in rehabilitation
practice is “how often should I be doing my exercises”? When it comes to the
dose or frequency of therapy for gait retraining, upper extremity function and
motor relearning in general, how much is enough in terms of stroke
rehabilitation and recovery?

The more we learn about the brain and neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
, the more specific we can be when it comes to understanding how much therapy
for stroke rehabilitation and recovery is needed to result in functional
improvement.

Is consistency more effective, for example, a more regular routine of therapy
activities 5-7 days per week or fewer days per week for longer sessions? How
many more repetitions do individuals need to do per session in order to see the
improvements that will allow them to use their hand and arm more effectively?

From recent research, we understand that we need to be doing about 240% more
time with task-based therapy exercises than the “norm”. A standard session is
typically about 25 minutes and based on research looking at outcomes of the same
treatment for different lengths of time, it is recommended that an individual
spends 60 minutes or more in therapy to see desired functional outcomes
(Schneider et al, 2016).



Virtual reality solutions like the Neofect Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] for hand rehabilitation and Neofect
Smart Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] for upper limb
rehabilitation training, allow for a high intensity, high repetition program in
a reasonable amount of time. A study by Stanford Medical Center, which is still
on its way to being published, showed that it was more beneficial to perform the
Smart Glove program consistently daily or at least 5 days per week versus doing
longer sessions less frequently. Consistency AND dosage are both important for
lasting change to take place in an individual’s range of motion, coordination
and timing.



> To meet the target amount of dosage, you have to be engaged in what you’re
doing, or you won’t stick with it. Look at what some of our Smart Glove and
Smart Board users had to say about how their rehabilitation program was engaging
in order to increase their dosage of therapy:

Tim G. - Stroke


> “I couldn’t depend on the therapy I had two hours a week to continue my
recovery; I needed to do more, which is where the Smart Glove came in. The Smart
Glove gives you a smart way to efficiently exercise. If you’re able to use it
regularly you’ll do a lot of good for yourself.”

Chris J.- TBI


> Before the Smart Glove, my coordination was really bad. I’ve improved
tremendously. Initially I couldn’t lift or break an egg or cut my meat and now I
have the coordination to be safe doing that. It made therapy fun and
motivating!”

Kay K.- Stroke


> “...after using the Smart Board for a month, I find myself using my affected arm
almost automatically for small tasks like turning on lights or making the bed.
The way that the training is structured, I know that I can work hard for 3
minutes or 5 minutes and then move on to a new game, so it is easy to stay
motivated.”


Call us at (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] to learn more the Neofect Smart
Rehabilitation Solutions today and increase the dosage of your therapy program
to improve your results.


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

Stroke Recovery

Does Therapy Dose Really Matter For Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery?

By combining hardware to aid the body movements and software to design appropriate brain therapy program, patients can do hand rehab training continuously.

How Stroke Patients Can Hand Rehab By Playing Games At Home



How Stroke Patients can Do Hand Rehab at Home
After testing the Neofect Smart Glove solution in hospitals around the world and
validating its effectiveness, Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us] has offered
their device for post-stroke rehabilitation at home.

Stroke patients often experience long term disability, which is more due to
neuro damage than to muscle weakness. By combining hardware to aid the body
movements and software to design appropriate brain therapy program, physicians
can greatly improve the rehab process.

Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] is a biofeedback
system which includes a glove-like device with built-in sensors to measure hand,
wrist and finger movements, and a software program to create training games.
There are more than 40 games currently available.



The software has an artificial intelligence component that automatically adjusts
the range of motion and difficulty level. This ensures the patient continues to
stay challenged during the game, at the same time, creating a positive,
encouraging environment. The system monitors the performance data over time and
generates progress reports.

Neofect has been successfully used by a number of hospitals. After getting
positive feedback from medical professionals, the device is now available to
individuals. Stroke victims can buy or rent and work on regaining their hand
mobility at their own pace without leaving their homes.

The first participants of the program have been excessively satisfied with the
results:

> "I really believe in this product. The games keep my mind working, It is great
with the hand, but in a cognitive level, I have come a long way and can make
full sentences now." (Carol S., Va.)


> "Most companies sell you a product and then want nothing to do with you. Neofect
has developed a product that truly helps with rehabilitation, but more than
that, they are a true partner in the process. They are constantly releasing new
games, they check in on progress and are by our side helping us get to the next
stage. We are so very grateful to have found this company and their amazing
product." (Melia W., Wash.)


Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us] have introduced a special, more powerful
stroke home exercise programs of the Neofect solution since 2017.

In the U.S., every 40 seconds someone is having a stroke. It is the leading
cause of disability, costing the national economy $34 billion and a victim’s
family – an average $17,081 annually.


The majority of patients has never completes their rehabilitation therapy for
one or a combination of three reasons:

 1. Difficulty to visit a doctor’s office on a regular basis.
 2. The lack of noticeable improvement
 3. High cost

The Neofect solution [https://www.neofect.com/us] is designed to solve each of
these problems by making the rehab program engaging, affordable and available
for patients at the convenience of their home.



To learn more about Neofect or get a 7-day free trial, visit the company’s
website www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us] or call to our office at 
(888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984].


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

Hand Rehabilitation Training

How Stroke Patients Can Do Hand Rehabilitation Training by Playing Games at Home

Stroke Hand Rehab By Playing Games

Research done on our RAPAEL Smart Glove and other therapy devices has shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years after the incident!

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Your Rehabilitation

The research was done on RAPAEL Smart Glove and other therapy devices have shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years after the incident!

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Rehabilitation

Neuroplasticity for Stroke Paitents' Rehabilitation


If you have been in rehabilitation for a brain injury
[https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home], such as trauma or a stroke you have
probably heard the term neuroplasticity. It might sound intimidating, but it is
one of the most important concepts related to recovery.

Neuroplasticity is simply a catch-all term to describe the many ways that the
brain and nervous system change, both in our everyday lives as well as in
recovery after an injury.

A Brief History


The word “plasticity” first appeared in an 1890 textbook called The Principles
of Psychology, written by esteemed philosopher and psychologist William James.
He describes the brain as a collection of pathways through which information
must travel. The information the brain needs to move the hand, for example, must
travel from point A in the brain to point B before the hand actually moves.

Usually, that information takes a specific path, one that is deep-seated that
path is tread many times just in the course of an hour; the brain learns to use
that path as the fastest way to get the hand moving. However, when something
happens to block that path, such as an injury or stroke that interrupts blood
flow to the brain, the information at point A still needs to find a way to point
B, just on a different path.

It’s a bit like Google Maps [http://www.google.com/maps]. If a traffic accident
causes delays on your normal commute home, Google Maps may direct you to take
different streets in order to get you home earlier.

How Times Have Changed


Studies on neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to change itself are still
very new, having only started 50 years ago. Back then, the idea that the brain
could change in any way was unheard of. It was believed that we were born with
all the brain cells that we would ever have, and the brain was incapable of
regenerating itself. The medical community believed that any damage to the brain
was irreparable.Unfortunately, this school of thought still exists in the world
of neurologic recovery, even though scientific discovery continues to show that
we can indeed make changes and recover from damage to the brain and neural
pathways, even years and decades after the initial injury.

Patients still hear from their doctors and therapists that whatever improvements
they’ve made after a certain time (typically 6 months to a year) is all that
would ever be possible. Patients then feel like there is no reason to continue
with rehabilitation because it is simply “too late.”

Is It Ever “Too Late?”
Admittedly, the brain is best primed for re-wiring shortly after the injury or
stroke, meaning those new pathways are much easier to develop the closer
rehabilitation starts from the actual injury.

However, there are always opportunities for continued recovery. Research done on
our Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] and other
therapy devices has shown that patients can achieve improvements even 20 years
after the incident! The adult brain is not only capable of changing, but
actually does change continuously throughout life, in response to everything we
do and every experience we have.

What Does This Mean for Me?


Now that you understand the theory and science behind neuroplasticity, here are
the three most important principles of neuroplasticity that affect your
recovery.

 1. It absolutely is possible to see physical improvements years and decades
    after the stroke or brain injury. New brain mapping technology and rehab
    studies continue to provide scientific support to this notion.
    
    
 2. Effective training is mostly about how many repetitions of task-based
    movements a patient performs in any given session; how those repetitions are
    performed matters less. In other words, just do it!
    
    
 3. Studies have shown that patients need far more training repetitions during
    rehab sessions in order to maximize functional improvement after a stroke or
    brain injury. Average practice in clinical studies is about 30 minutes per
    day and recent research (Schneider et al, 2016) demonstrates that 80 minutes
    per day is actually ideal to maximize results.
    
    

You may now be wondering how you can fit in the required amount of repetitions
needed in your day-to-day life. The outpatient therapy that most people can
access through insurance, typically 2-3 visits per week for 30-60 minutes,
simply isn’t enough.

As you may have guessed, the Neofect Home Smart Rehab program
[https://www.neofect.com/us] was designed with repetitions in mind, and making
the best use of the time spent in training activities.

How, you ask? We’ll go over ways to increase repetitions and practice, and how
our products can help, in our next blog post!


If you would like to learn more about Neofect Smart Glove
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/smart-rehab-solution/products/neofect-smart-glove] 
or any of our stroke rehabilitation [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] and
recovery products, please call at (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] or email 
info@neofect.com.

--

Reference: J Physiother. 2016 Oct;62(4):182-7

Neuroplasticity

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Post Stroke Rehabilitation

Why Neuroplasticity Matters to Rehab

Stroke Recovery: How to recover after stroke quickly

Many stroke survivors question whether stroke recovery is possible. At the same
time, they want to know how they can recover quickly after a stroke. Although
stroke recovery looks different for everyone, there are still fundamental things
you should know for your faster stroke recovery.

In this post, we’ll explain what’s important in stroke rehabilitation and how
long it takes to recover after a stroke to recover quickly. Also, You can see
what skills are expected to improve during stroke rehabilitation.



Table of contents

 * What’s important to recover after a stroke?
 * What can a patient expect to see during stroke rehabilitation?
 * Stroke Therapy and Rehabilitation Activities
 * Stroke Recovery Timeline
 * Is it possible to stroke recovery at home?
 * Now, can I fully and quickly recover after a stroke?





 What's important to recover after a stroke?
Stroke recovery is different for every person. After someone survives after a
stroke, their recovery starts that day and can continue for several years. The
severity of the stroke impacts how a person’s recovery will go.

 1. Slow and Unpredictable
    Recovery after stroke [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] starts with
    making goals with your physical, social, and emotional aspects of your life.
    You will make changes to your life to prevent additional strokes along with
    focusing on life long recovery. Patients and caregivers will have to
    understand that the recovery is slow and unpredictable. No one can really
    map out how a person will truly recover from a stroke because the way our
    brain heals is so complex. Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses,
    and therapists can make only an educated guess of how a person will recover
    based on the location and severity of the stroke.
 2. Need Support from Family and Friends
    Support from family and friends is a huge component during the recovery
    process. They give the person a sense of belonging to the world and purpose
    to life they had prior to the stroke. Patients who are recovering from a
    stroke need to feel connected more than ever to help increase the motivation
    to push through the hardest moments of their rehabilitation process. Family
    involvement also allows for better education and training to happen so the
    patient can return home when medically appropriate. Doctors, nurses, and
    therapists can train the family/caregivers in how to best care for the
    patient so they can return to their home environment safely.
 3. Time and Intensity
    Stroke rehab [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] will help increase
    recovery allowing a person to get back to living a full life. Rehabilitation
    focuses on high intensity repetitions which drive the key term of
    neuroplasticity which doctors and therapists focus on. Through rehab you’ll
    focus on learning new skills or relearning old skills. The biggest skills
    that are important to relearn after a stroke are motor skill learning,
    mobility skills, cognitive training and activities of daily living.
    Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists focus on intensity exercises
    that will set a person up for success in relearning these important skills.
    A patient will start experiencing stroke rehabilitation as soon as they
    become medically stable in the hospital to increase the recovery process.
    The biggest factors for people in the recovery process are time and
    intensity.

Does a brain really recover after a stroke?
You may have heard that the brain can be recovered after a stroke. Do you know
how it happens? It’s because of brain neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
. Although it is impossible to fully reverse the damage, current research has
shown that the brain is capable of relearning lost skills even years after a
stroke.

The word Neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/] 
is a fancy way of saying that the brain (neuro) can change (plasticity). After a
stroke, neuroplasticity can help the brain to work around the damaged areas in
order to regenerate, re-establish, and rearrange the neural connections related
to function.

In order to retrain the brain after a stroke, it is important to strengthen the
neural pathways that control all of these behaviors and movements by doing 
repetitive exercises
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-stroke-exercises]. The
more repetitive exercises and movements one does, the stronger the pathways in
the brain will become. This is called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
.


 What can a patient expect to see during stroke rehabilitation?
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on their
severity and which part of the brain that stroke affects. Here are some examples
of the common changes after stroke.


Weakness or paralysis to the one side of the body

The stroke may cause a weakness or paralysis on your body. You should focus on
regaining these weakened muscles, so you can get back to your daily activities
independently.

Cognitive Skills

The brain controls critical thinking, judgment, reasoning abilities, and
judgment, therefore, having a stroke on the left side of the brain can cause
someone to have varying levels of cognitive impairments.

It’s important to keep working to improve these cognitive skills because it’s
highly related to your safety. Occupational therapists or speech and language
therapists can help you regain these abilities.

Speech and Languages Skills

Since the brain controls language skills, many people who have suffered from a
left-sided stroke may have difficulties in speaking or understanding language.
And it is called Aphasia.

Speech and language therapists can help you learn how to speak coherently and
clearly. They may teach you other communication ways if your condition is
severe.

Sensory Skills

Stroke can affect a part of your body’s ability to feel sensory inputs. You may
have difficulties feeling the heat, cold, or pressure if your sensory ability is
damaged. Therapists can work with you to help your body adjust to the change.

Swallowing Difficulties

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. Therapists can work with you to help your swallowing ability
to regain.

Visual impairments

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.

The main goal of stroke rehabilitation is to improve or relearn these weakened
skills after suffering a stroke. You can be independent and back to your living
life by improving or restoring your weakened or lost skills.




 Stroke Therapy and Rhabilitation Activities
During the therapy process you can expect to see things involving physical and
technology-assisted physical activities.

Physical Activities
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-stroke-exercises] may
include but not limited to:

 * Motor-Skill Exercises that focus on improving muscle strength and
   conditioning. An example of this would be a speech therapist doing swallowing
   exercises to increase a patient's ability to eat.
 * Mobility Training that teaches a patient to relearn how to walk again along
   with learning to use mobility aids such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or
   ankle/knee braces. After having a stroke a patient may experience drop foot
   and need an ankle foot orthosis to help correct the deficit.
 * Constraint-Induced Therapy which takes the unaffected limb and restrains it
   while you practice functional movements with your affected limb. This type of
   therapy helps force a patient to use their affected limb instead of
   forgetting about it.
 * Range of Motion Therapy provides exercises and treatments to help address
   increase muscle tone and spasticity to increase functional range of motion.
   Examples that patients may see are hemi slides for the upper extremity using
   a towel/sheet on a table top.




Technology-Assisted Therapy include but not limited to:

 * Functional Electrical Stimulation can help stimulate weak muscles to promote
   a contraction which will help with muscle re-education.
 * Robotic Technology will help impaired limbs perform repetitive motions
   helping increase muscle re-education for functional gains.
 * Wireless Technology helps monitor post stroke activity to allow a patient to
   see the functional movement they have.
 * Virtual Reality Technology uses video games and other computer based
   activities that allow patients to interact with simulated or real time
   activities within their environment.


 Stroke Recovery Timeline
 1. Within 3 hours
    If you suffer a stroke, it is very important to receive medical attention as
    soon as you exhibit any warning signs as each second is crucial for
    survival. Stroke is a severe medical emergency and if a person does not
    receive medical attention right away they are at greater risk for permanent
    brain damage or death.
    Tissue Plasminogen Activator(tPA) can help decrease the amount of damage
    done after sustaining a stroke but can only be administered within 3 hours
    of showing warning signs. Therefore it is very important to get help as
    quickly as you can in order to allow for the most successful recovery!
    
 2. First Few Weeks After a Stroke
    The typical length of a hospital stay after a stroke is five to seven days.
    During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the
    stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.
    The first five to six weeks of stroke recovery are the most intensive.
    Intense physical and occupational therapy will be recommended five or six
    days per week. During this time patients will go through inpatient or
    outpatient therapy, contingent on their condition and accessibility to a
    rehabilitation center. There may also be more options like receiving in-home
    physical and occupational therapy treatment.
    
 3. Three Months
    According to the Johns Hopkins stroke rehabilitation specialist April Pruski
    , The first three months of recovery are when a patient will see the most
    improvement, and gains may happen rapidly over time.  During this time, most
    patients will enter and complete an inpatient rehab program and improve
    their abilities through outpatient therapy sessions.
    
 4. Six Months
    It’s still important to do continuous and repetitive stroke rehabilitation
    within 6 months although the stroke survivor’s skill and ability is not
    fully recovered in 3 months. A stroke survivor’s ability to improve during
    this period relies on their individual effort and the support of their
    friends, family, and doctors. A coordinated effort among specialists can
    facilitate further progress months and years down the line. While
    improvement may take longer for some patients, there’s still hope for small
    advances.Two Years
    Some stroke survivors who have Aphasia after suffering a stroke can take up
    to two years to fully regain their speaking ability.  (25 to 40 percent)
    

 Is it possible to stroke recovery at home?
Now, you may wonder if you can do your stroke recovery at home. Because there
are some restrictions like time or money to start every therapies and exercises
for your faster stroke recovery.

You’ll probably start your stroke rehabilitation in the hospital, but you
already know that stroke recovery is a long-term journey. So you should find
another option for your better living life. And it would be great if you can
start your stroke recovery at home.

Here are some options you can choose before you leave the hospital to determine
the best rehabilitation setting. The options include:

 1. Outpatient units. Some of the hospitals or clinics offer a stroke rehab
    outpatient program. You may spend a few hours at the facility a couple of
    days a week for your stroke recovery.
 2. Skilled nursing facilities. You may want to stay at nursing facilities for
    intense therapy options. But please check out if the facility specializes in
    stroke rehabilitation before you select.
 3. Stroke Recovery at-home programs. Doing your stroke recovery at home makes
    your living life with greater flexibility than other options. You can be
    stable in your home and do your rehab repetitively without any place
    movements. Some home-based therapy spends less than outpatients units or
    skilled nursing facilities.

The rehabilitation after a stroke begins after doctor’s assessment and
treatments in patient’s conditions. You should choose which options fits to
their condition and design the stroke rehab journey to help the survivor reclaim
their independence and return their previous daily life as soon as possible.

 Now, can I fully and quickly recover after a stroke?
According to the National Stroke Association, 10 percent of people who have a
stroke recover almost completely, with 25 percent recovering with minor
impairments. Another 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments that
require special care. And 10 percent require long-term care in a nursing home or
other facility. This means that there are differences based on their severity
and treatment. But you can make your stroke recovery faster and as much as
possible. As you saw, there is a concept called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
!

These are just a few things a patient may experience during their rehabilitation
process. The best advice for a person who has survived a stroke is to seek high
intensity therapy as quickly as possible. This will increase the chances of
living life to the fullest. As you come to understand the best options for you
or a loved one’s rehab journey, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Neofect
[https://www.neofect.com/us/] Home Rehab Solutions. Neofect Home Rehab products
[https://shop.neofect.com/] are clinically proven to improve hand and arm
functionality at home with fun and engaging activities.

To learn more, (888) 623-8984 or email us at info@neofect.com

Feeling dizzy after a stroke is more common than you think. Learn more about post-stroke dizziness and how vestibular therapy can improve your function.

 Post-Stroke Dizziness: How Vestibular Therapy Can Help

Dizziness is a common symptom in stroke survivors, but it is rarely addressed as
the main concern in rehabilitation programs. Consequently, many people are left
with dizziness that lingers beyond recovery and affects day to day activities.

Post-stroke dizziness can leave survivors sidelined from their regular routines.
Feeling dizzy after a stroke can be caused by different factors. To understand
more about post-stroke dizziness, let’s take a deeper look at factors that may
be involved and which treatments can help.


Dizziness After Stroke: Your Questions Answered
 * Why do people experience dizziness after stroke?
 * How does a brainstem stroke cause dizziness?
 * What treatments are available for post-stroke dizziness?
 * How can vestibular therapy help with post-stroke dizziness?
 * What is the prognosis for post-stroke dizziness?


Why do people experience dizziness after stroke?

Post-stroke dizziness can be a consequence of different medications, long
periods of inactivity, or sudden changes in blood pressure when we change
positions. People can also experience dizziness if the stroke affected certain 
structures in the brain
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/brain-anatomy-101-major-structures-and-functions]
. This specific type of stroke is known as a brainstem stroke. 


Major parts of the human brain include the four lobes of the cerebral cortex,
the brainstem, and the cerebellum.
A brainstem stroke occurs when blood flow to the brainstem is disrupted. The
brainstem, which is responsible for maintaining the body’s automatic functions,
is located near the base of the skull and found deep within the brain. It is
home to several important structures and connections that allow our bodies to
perform vital functions without conscious thought, also known as involuntary
activities. Simple involuntary activities like eating, breathing, and
controlling our heart rate are regulated in the brainstem. 

You can also think of the brainstem as a bridge between higher-level brain
activity and the rest of the body. Because of its location and important role in
sustaining life, any injury or trauma to the brainstem can have profound effects
on the body. 



How does a brainstem stroke cause dizziness?

Any disruption in the blood flow to the brainstem can also affect a nearby
structure known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for creating
and coordinating movement after receiving information from our inner ear, eyes,
and sensory receptors in the body. Dizziness can occur when the brain is unable
to correctly interpret the information which, in turn, affects eye movements
and/or balance. 


What treatments are available for post-stroke dizziness?

Treatment for post-stroke dizziness depends on the cause. Certain medications
may be prescribed, or your healthcare provider can show you specific strategies
to help decrease dizziness that results from position changes. Vestibular
therapy can also be an effective treatment for post-stroke dizziness that
originates from the brainstem and/or cerebellum.


How can vestibular therapy help with post-stroke dizziness?

Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, addresses problems
that may arise in the vestibular system
[https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/blog/know-your-brain-vestibular-system]
. For stroke survivors, vestibular therapy can be helpful in reducing dizziness
with head movements, sensitivity to busy environments, and loss of balance.

A bustling grocery store can provoke dizziness for those sensitive to busy
environments.
The vestibular system is an elaborate network of information that sends signals
to our brain related to motion, head movements, and body awareness. While that
information is processed, the vestibular system makes sure that the body remains
balanced and stabilized, also commonly referred to as equilibrium. 

When you are a passenger in a moving vehicle, your vestibular system is working
hard to process visual information about the passing vehicles and scenery while
making sure your body remains upright within the car. 

When the vestibular system is not working properly, many people will report
dizziness with head and/or eye movements, loss of balance, feeling dizzy in busy
environments like a grocery store, or a false sensation of movement that can
occur at any time. Others may feel a heightened sense of anxiety in crowds or
motion sickness on a moving platform, like an escalator or elevator. 

Vestibular therapy uses specific exercises using head and eye movements to
retrain the vestibular system and decrease sensitivity to visual movement. Doing
this helps to reteach the body how to coordinate movement and balance while the
head is moving. Vestibular therapy uses two strategies, known as habituation
and
adaptation [https://www.asha.org/Articles/Vestibular-Rehabilitation/], to create
these changes and improve your ability to perform everyday activities or
complete work responsibilities. 


A vestibular therapist may instruct a patient through a series of head-turning
exercises as part of an adaptation program to reduce dizziness.
Here is one way to test your vestibular system. Stand and hold your thumb in
front of you at an arms-length away. While keeping your eyes on the tip of your
thumb, slowly move your head back and forth like you are telling someone “no.”
You should be able to shake your head and maintain clarity of your thumb without
feeling dizzy or off-balance. If so, then a part of your vestibular system,
known as the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, is working properly! 


What is the prognosis for post-stroke dizziness?

With the right treatment approach, stroke survivors can see improvements in
post-stroke dizziness. Vestibular therapy can play a large role in helping
patients to regain independence and decrease symptoms of dizziness and imbalance
with everyday activities. 

Other prognoses for post-stroke dizziness unrelated to the vestibular system
will vary, depending on the cause of dizziness and available treatments. In
these cases, vestibular therapy may not be effective, especially if the
vestibular system is working properly. Your healthcare provider will be able to
provide more information on treatment options that are specific to you and your
needs.


Further Reading: 
How do I know if I have a vestibular disorder?
[https://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Documents/How%20Do%20I%20know%20if%20I%20have%20a%20vestibular%20disorder.pdf]
Find a vestibular therapist in your area
[https://kaylacovertpt.wixsite.com/dizzydoc/post/what-is-vestibular-physical-therapy]


Looking for more ways to improve balance after stroke? Check out the Neofect
Smart Balance [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-balance]! Call (888) 623-8984 or
email info@neofect.com for more information.

Dizziness

Post-Stroke Dizziness: How Vestibular Therapy Can Help

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.