Hemiplegia is a condition resulting in total paralysis of one side of the body. The most common cause of hemiplegia is stroke. While hemiplegia can affect individuals of varying ages, the rehabilitation exercises that will be performed vary depending on the extent of the hemiplegia and not age. Exercises for hemiplegics will help improve your range of motion and muscle definition.
Elliptical Exercise
Depending on the degree of your hemilpegia, you might have some strength and function in the arm on your injured side. If this is the case, performing elliptical exercises will help improve range of motion in your injured leg as well as muscle definition. With a physical therapist or aid, step up onto the elliptical machine, placing both hands on the handle bars for support. From here, walk slowly on the machine, allowing the natural force of your healthy leg on the machine to propel your impaired leg into a rotational motion. Repeat until fatigued, taking breaks whenever you feel any pain or tightness.
Passive ROM Exercises
Passive range of motion exercises will improve your range of motion as well as help you move your legs and arms in ways you could not naturally do. Passive ROM exercises range from shoulder rotations to toe spreads. To perform a toe spread, remove your shoes and socks, sitting on the floor with your injured leg extended. Your aid or therapist will then grab your foot, lifting it up and off the ground so that it is fully extended. From this position, she will separate the toes, spreading them apart one at a time before stopping. Have her perform five repetitions of this before stopping.
Tongue Exercises
In some cases, individuals with hemiplegia will have reduced motion and muscle definition on one side of their mouths. As a result, tongue exercises should be conducted in an effort to improve muscle strength and speech intelligibility. Tongue exercises range from tongue extensions to passive chin rotations. To perform tongue extensions, extend your tongue out of your mouth as far as it will go. If the tongue dips to the weaker side, attempt to correct this positioning, bringing your tongue closer in while keeping your tongue straight. Hold the position for 10 seconds before relaxing.
Treadmill Exercises
The treadmill is an essential tool in rehabilitation exercises for hemiplegics. In addition to strengthening muscles and increasing range of motion, it simulates an essential activity that individuals perform on a regular basis. Depending on the severity of your hemiplegia, you might need assistance while on the machine, ranging from a personal aid to ankle foot orthosis. Whatever means of aid you use, walking on a treadmill for extended periods of time will strengthen your leg as well as improve your posture and alignment.
