How Pilates can benefit Stroke Patients

  • One to one Pilates’ emphasis on controlled breathing with each movement not only boosts physical efficiency by decreasing unnecessary contractions but also facilitates proper alignment in posture and overall balance.

  • In addition, the emphasis on elongation of each movement helps to open up the trunk and pelvic area allowing more range of motion resulting in more freedom of movement during dynamic activities.

  • With hemiplegia, there is a strong tendency to shift completely to the unaffected side, which only reinforces the weakness and poor motor control of the affected side.

  • As a result, the asymmetry in the physical body becomes reinforced as opposed to moving towards correction. By using Pilates principles to facilitate proper breathing and alignment, comes improved balance and with improved balance, comes increased confidence. For example a research study published in 2016.
Stroke patients

For example a research study paper in 2016 proved that an 8-week Pilates training program improved the static and dynamic balance of patients with chronic stroke. If Pilates training that strengthens the deeper abdominal muscles is sustained for this duration, than these results can be obtained. Therefore, if these training parameters are used in the clinic when it becomes appropriate for the patient, a Pilates program can be an effective treatment for the recovery of walking ability, which is the highest objective of rehabilitation for patients with chronic stroke. (J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jun; 28(6): 1819–1824.)

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How Yoga can benefit Stroke Patients

  • Older adults that have experienced a stroke can benefit from yoga, according to a recent study.
  • Researchers claim that the exercise can help to improve balance among those that have had a stroke.
  • The discovery was made when a team from Indiana University tested the benefits of yoga among 47 chronic stroke survivors. Participants had experienced a stroke six months or more prior to the trial and were divided into three groups. One group had twice-weekly sessions for eight weeks, another had two sessions per week and a relaxation recording to use three times a week, while the third group had no rehabilitation at all.
  • It was found that those who did yoga had better balance at the end of the trial than those who didn’t.
For example a research study paper published in 2017  reported evidence highlights the positive effects of yoga for people with a range of physical and psychological health conditions. A recent non‐Cochrane systematic review concluded that yoga can be used as self‐administered practice in stroke rehabilitation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Dec; 2017(12): CD011483.
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How Rehabilitation can benefit Stroke Patients

  • Stroke is the third highest cause of death and the leading cause of chronic disability in adults in Australia.

  • Studies show clear advantages of treatment of patients in the acute phase of stroke in a dedicated stroke unit.
  • Rehabilitation after stroke is a continuum, starting within days of stroke onset and ending only when it no longer produces any positive effect.
  • More than half the 75% of patients who survive the first month after a stroke will require specialized rehabilitation. Effective rehabilitation relies on a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach.
  • Regular team meetings, as well as meetings with the patient, his or her family and careers, are essential.

For example a research study paper published in 2017  reported that Pilates training exhibits positive effects, such as core strength and flexibility in the elderly19, 23, 44, 45), muscle endurance23, 24), posture improvement44), dynamic balance16, 19, 29, 41, 46) etc. Based on these preceding studies, Pilates is recognized as an exercise program that is effective in restoring physical functions in stroke patients18). For elderly females, Pilates training was shown to improve autonomy, static balance, and quality of life16), and even improve quality of life that had decreased due to chronic disorders over a long period20, 47, 48) (J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 Oct; 29(10): 1830–1835).

What is a stroke?

  • A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

  • Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. It is important to note that these benefits of yoga, pilates, and rehabilitation relate to improvement in the symptoms of a stroke and are not considered a “treatment” or cure for stroke.

For more information please visit: www.stroke.org.uk