Exercises for Stroke Patients Who Have Lost Mobility on the Right Side

Stroke patients often have a loss of mobility on one side of the body. It is important to start a thorough exercise routine as soon as a patient is able to improve coordination between the two sides of the body. A period of inactivity can cause further loss of mobility.

Aerobic Exercise

• Perform regular aerobic activity three to seven days a week for 20 to 60 minutes to help improve mobility in the right side. Walking should be the first exercise performed to help improve coordination between the left and right side. Slow movement with the right side will improve the more activity is performed. Use a treadmill at a slow speed to improve coordination between the two sides of the body. A treadmill provides a steady movement that helps improve the patient's ability to move evenly. Treadmills are easily adjusted as the patient's strength on the right side improves.

Range of Motion

• Exercises that improve the patient's range of motion should be performed every day to help improve coordination between the two sides of the body. Stretching the muscles will help improve the body's ability to move. Do stretches before and after aerobic activity. Proprioceptive muscular facilitation (PNF) stretches are the most effective stretches available to a stroke patient with limited mobility. PNF mixes voluntary and involuntary muscle contraction to help improve muscle function.

  A partner is needed during these stretches. Have the partner extend the patient's arm or leg to the point where there is a slight discomfort. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, then release. The arm or leg is then pushed in toward the body and held for 30 seconds. The stretch is released to the extended position and held for another 30 seconds.

Strength Training

• Perform strength training exercises to strengthen the muscles once mobility has begun to improve. Choose a weight program that evenly exercises both sides of the body to help improve coordination. Perform multiple repetitions with light weights on both sides until mobility returns. Perform one to three sets of eight to 15 repetitions two to three days a week, exercising the major muscle groups in the arms and legs.