How to exercise when legs feel weak after prolonged bed rest
Nov 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
1. Straight leg raise: The patient should lie in a supine position, keep the knee joint extended, and slowly lift the entire lower limb upward.
2. Deep squat: The patient should stand with feet shoulder-width apart, maintain an upright upper body, and slowly squat down.
3. Leg abduction and adduction: The patient should start with legs together or feet shoulder-width apart, simultaneously move the left and right legs outward to the sides, then gradually bring them back inward.
Generally speaking, prolonged bed rest may lead to leg weakness when standing. It is recommended that patients perform exercises such as straight-leg raises, squats, and leg spreads under a doctor's guidance. Specific methods are as follows:
1. Straight-leg raise: The patient should lie supine, keep the knee joint extended, and slowly lift the entire lower limb until reaching the maximum height. After feeling fatigue in the legs, slowly lower the limb, rest for about 10 seconds, and then repeat.
2. Squat: When performing squats, the patient should stand with feet shoulder-width apart, keep the upper body straight, slowly squat down to the maximum extent possible, and then slowly stand back up. It is generally advisable to perform this exercise for 15–30 minutes.
3. Leg spread: The patient starts with legs together or feet shoulder-width apart, then moves both legs outward to the sides simultaneously, and gradually brings them back together. Repeating this motion approximately 300 times per day is ideal, which can be completed in 3–4 sets.
