EXERCISE PRODUCTS FOR STROKE AND NEURO | NG Physiotherapy

Home Exercise Equipment

Here are some examples of equipment that can help you alongside your physiotherapy rehab at home for stroke and neurological patients. You can shop around for other options but here are some we have found beneficial. We always advise to discuss with your therapist or GP when exercising due to other health conditions and as we know the brain is a very clever thing and producing a quality movement is more beneficial than quantity.

Exercise bike benefits:

This helps to build strength in the lower limbs.
Uses both legs and stimulates alternative patterns like when walking.
The sturdier models are better for our stroke and neuro patients as thinner versions can be easily knocked over.
Good for circulation.
Good for the cardiovascular system.

Why is there 2 bikes posted? well the 2nd bike is more expensive as you can see however it helps you along as its motorised so for people with conditions affecting both sides this is great. you can also change the settings for more help or less as you get better.

Tips:

Place against the wall as it helps stop it from moving.
Sit in a high back chair with good posture.
Build up the amount of time you complete slowly start with 5 minutes.
Build up the resistance like the time.
If your good leg is doing all the work your probably tired.
Try to make sure both knees are pointing forwards throughout session. If not you may need to correct your posture.
Check posture regularly.

Boxia Foot up for foot drop

You may have been told you have something called foot drop. Which is when the muscles that dorsiflex the ankle are not working.

This orthotic fits into your shoe which must have a tongue and laces to insert and then wraps around your ankle.
The orthotic helps lift the foot so it helps to stop it catching when walking.
You must have some dorsi flexion activity in order for it to be most beneificial.

Thera putty

Thera putty is a great way to help with improving hand movements.
Gross movement and fine dexterity.
Better to get packs with different resistances to build up to as strength improves.

Resistance Tubes

Great for strength building
Tubes are less likely to snap in comparison to bands
Comes with handles which makes it easier to hold.
Also has an attachment for the door.
There are lots and lots of exercises you can complete with resistance tubes for upper and lower limb,
Has different levels of resistance so you can continue to build strength.

Exercise ball

Good for working on core stability.
Balance
Helps to improve proprioception.
Can use to help build upper limb and lower limb.
Always buy anti burst balls.

We don't advise seated exercises on the balls as risk of falls and incorrect posture.

Thera band for the hand

Great for building extensor activity in the hand.
The extensors are usually what become weak in neurological conditions. So we usually advise against squeezing balls and focus on the opening up of the hand.
Again different types of resistance so you can build up strength.

Lycra Gloves

Lycra is known to have lots of benefits with neurological patients.
Helps to improve somato-sensory system
Helps with muscle alignment.
Known to help decrease tremors.
Gives lots of sensory feed back to the brain.
You need to ensure these are tight fitted in order to feel a benefit.
You will need to check skin integrity regularly.

There are lots of other products out there that can help with therapy at home.
You can find a lot of products around your own home.
Did you know the brain responds well to functional activities so completing things within your own home or activities of daily living is very beneficial.

Why not contact us for an assessment and further advice on exercises you can complete at home, with movement analysis to correct your technique.