A stroke is a serious illness that causes physical disturbances in the form of partial paralysis of the body, as well as a whole host of consequences from the nervous system. A prerequisite for rehabilitation is the use of special simulators. An important role is played by exercise after a stroke at home.
A set of measures provides the opportunity for the speediest recovery of motor activity and improve the mental state of a person. Let's find out which simulators should be used to recover from a stroke, consider effective methods of physiotherapy exercises.
Shagonog
Doctors advise patients who have experienced a stroke to resort to regular use of the Shagonog simulator. Classes on the apparatus make it possible to restore the mobility of the lower extremities. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. The simulator has the form of a carriage with a stand where the leg is placed. The limb is fixed using a series of fasteners. Loads are created due to the operation of the electrical mechanism.
The solution looks most relevant for bedridden patients. Since the organization of classes using the apparatus does not require the adoption of a vertical body position. The simulator simulates the loads that take place while walking. The result is a progressive restoration of healthy muscle tone of the lower extremities. The main task when using the simulator is the prevention of atrophy of the leg muscles. The device is made individually in accordance with the parameters of the patient's body.
Motomed Viva 2
The simulator is used to exert pressure on the lower and upper limbs. Passive activation of mobility is achieved by actuating the apparatus by an electric motor. Additional stimulation of atrophied muscles is performed by fixing electrodes on the body, which supply the corresponding impulses to the tissue. Small discharges of current are synchronized by the on-board computer of the device with the speed of pedaling.
The simulator for recovery from a stroke is equipped with a convenient display. The presence of an electronic control system enables the patient to customize the operation of the device to individual needs. Regular pedaling on the device provides a progressive increase in muscle mass, as well as the provision of feasible loads on the organs of the cardiovascular system.
Alter step
The Alter Step rehabilitation simulator has the appearance of an inclined landing, supplemented by a number of bars. The position of the functional elements of the apparatus is adjustable in height, based on the individual needs of the patient with a stroke. Horizontal bars create a reliable support for the upper limbs while moving back and forth along an inclined platform. The steps of the simulator have a coating that eliminates the likelihood of slipping of the patient's legs.
Classes on the step platform enable a person to remove the psychological barrier that occurs after prolonged bed rest. The patient is able to train on the apparatus without outside help, exerting feasible loads on the lower and upper limbs, as well as the muscles of the shoulder girdle. The design provides a ramp for wheelchairs, which makes it possible to stand up in the simulator and go to classes.
In addition to restoring muscle tone, restoring normal mobility of the joints of the upper and lower extremities, the rehabilitation simulator provides high-quality cardio loads. The result of regular classes is to strengthen the whole body, saturate the muscles with oxygen, and return to healthy circulation.
Glove "Anika"
Finger simulator "Anika" improves fine motor skills. The result is the restoration of the patient’s ability to self-care, the absence of which is one of the main problems after a stroke. The design is put on the arm and sends impulses to the muscles through a network of electrodes. The process of biofeedback is launched, which contributes to bringing the fine muscles of the limb to an increased tone.
In addition to the simulator for a hand after a stroke, the device includes software that is installed on a computer. Electronic sensors located on the phalanges of the fingers, hands and forearm, record motor activity. Data is transferred to the program. First, a person’s capabilities are determined after a stroke. Subsequently, the software selects exercises for a limb of optimal complexity.
After a series of trial exercises on the arm simulator after a stroke under the supervision of a doctor, the patient can proceed to self-treatment at home. During rehabilitation, a person regularly performs a series of tasks offered by a computer. The performed operations and positive changes are noted in the statistics, which are subsequently analyzed by a specialist. The specified scheme makes it possible to adjust the lesson plan in real time.
Equos
The simulator for recovery from a stroke is presented in the form of a controller and a lingual plate. The latter is clamped by the teeth and conducts electrical signals through the tongue. Impulses are transmitted to individual parts of the patient's body. The controller detects changes in the position of the body and limbs of the relative head. When a person leans forward, a corresponding electrical signal is felt at the tip of the tongue. Moving the body back leads to effects on the inside of the organ. Changing the balance left or right starts the process of stimulation of the corresponding zones of the tongue by the lingual manipulator.
The above scheme of action of the simulator for recovery from a stroke helps to normalize the vestibular apparatus. As a result, the lost mobility of the limbs returns, it becomes easier for a person to maintain the body in a stable position. According to the data obtained during the study of the apparatus, regular training gives the opportunity to significantly improve coordination of movements, partially restore the speech abilities of a person who has had a stroke.
Passive gymnastics for limbs
Performing passive gymnastic procedures seems appropriate when a person is temporarily unable to move and needs outside help. Doctors advise doing the following exercises to recover from a stroke:
- Hang the upper limb with limited mobility in the loop. Every day, for half an hour, rotate, move to the sides, bend and unbend your hand. As you workout, take small breaks lasting 3-4 minutes.
- Sew ring-shaped elastic. Put the device on the limbs. Perform dilutions and information, overcoming the loads that are created with the help of the device.
- In order to improve muscle tone of the upper limbs, to develop fine motor skills of finger movement, exercise using gymnastic balls. Good results are obtained using the Rubik's Cube. Similar tasks are solved by tying and untying shoelaces, unfolding playing cards, modeling from plasticine.
Lying exercises
Doctors recommend bed patients with rotational eye movements in various directions. At the end of the workout, perform stroking movements in the eyelids. Finally, make a series of leisurely blinks.
A good solution for patients with extreme mobility is head rotation. Move your gaze sideways, up and down. Tilt your head at a leisurely pace, avoiding sudden movements. During one training, perform 5-6 movements on each side.
Having taken a supine position, grasp the headboard with your palms. Do a series of small pull-ups of the body, straightening the shoulders. Keep your lower limbs relaxed. Perform up to 5 pull-ups at a leisurely pace, rest for a few minutes and repeat the procedure.
Sitting training
For rehabilitation after a stroke, use exercises that are easy to perform while sitting. Lean your back against the pillow. Grasp the edge of the bed with your hands. Bend back a little and throw your head back. Exercise on a deep breath. Count to three and move the body to its original position.
Sit on the edge of the bed with a pillow under your back. Stretch your legs and relax. Raise your upper limbs slowly. At the expense of one or two, take a breath, smoothly pull your leg towards you and grab your lower leg with your palms. Move the knee to the chest, bowing your head in the frontal direction. After exhaling, return to the starting position.
Standing exercises
Take an upright position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hands should hang freely along the body. Then gently lift the upper limbs and stretch in the direction of the ceiling, taking a deep breath. Describe a wide circle with your hands and return to the original position. Perform 5-6 reps at a leisurely pace.
Stand, rest your palms in the pelvic area, legs apart. Slowly turn the body to the left while spreading your arms out to the sides. Move while breathing in. Then exhale smoothly and move to the starting position. Perform 7-8 reps on each side.
Useful Tips
To ensure that rehabilitation methods after a stroke are exclusively beneficial and contribute to the speedy return of mobility, follow these recommendations:
- Avoid overwork during exercise. After all, classes on simulators and physiotherapy exercises are used only to bring atrophied tissues in tone, and not to build muscle. Begin rehabilitation with the simplest movements. Gradually engage in new exercises, increase the intensity and number of approaches.
- Before massage, do massage treatments. Especially important is the preliminary heating of muscles for sedentary patients.
- Perform system workouts. It is advisable to engage in special apparatus and devote time to physiotherapy exercises at least an hour a day.
- Be patient with patience. The expected changes in the course of rehabilitation after a stroke do not occur after the first training. Positive dynamics as a result of daily exercise is usually observed after a few months.
Finally
As you can see, there are many effective simulators and methods of physiotherapy for recovery from a stroke. During the rehabilitation period, patients are advised to resort to an integrated approach to eliminating the problem. Only daily work on oneself will allow us to get rid of the consequences of pathology and return to a full life.