Core exercises for post-stroke rehabilitation

Beyond the common emphasis on limb and facial muscle recovery, neglecting core strength can impede overall progress. Essential for enhancing stability and balance, core strength exercises play a critical role in reducing the risk of falls and additional injuries. They also contribute to improved coordination and foster comprehensive recovery. What core exercises will guide your rehabilitation journey? Let’s explore together.

Pelvic Thrusts​​

Pelvic thrusts are a great way to strengthen abdominal muscles helping someone to sit upright and hold their balance.¹

• Lay prone and try to squeeze your stomach muscles.
• Slowly lift and hold for 3 seconds.
• Lower and relax to a prone position.
• Repeat 5 more times increasing until you can lift for 10 seconds.

Seated Extensions​​

The idea behind this exercise is to train the abdominal muscles to adapt to basic motions. It also helps improve overall balance when sitting or standing.²

• Sit on the edge of a seat with your back straight.
• Slowly lean forward and hold for 5 seconds.
• Use your abdominal and back muscles to lean back and touch the back of the chair and hold for 5 seconds.
• Lean forward to an upright position.
• Repeat 15 times.

Side Clams​​

A great way to work both your core and leg muscles, side clams gets your body used to lateral movements and turns.¹

• Lie on your side with your knees bent on top of each other.
• Lift the top knee up slowly with your feet staying together.
• Hold apart for 10 seconds before slowly lowering it down.
• Repeat 5-10 times for each knee.

These core exercises will help your brain to use neuroplasticity to form new neuronal connections. Repeating exercises increases this process and retrains the body to learn basic functions.

Always work with a physical therapist to decide which exercises you should do. This will help improve your recovery progress and allow your body to get stronger.

Encourage neuroplasticity to get moving again!