What exercises can be done in the early stage of cerebral infarction?
In general, patients in the early stages of cerebral infarction can engage in exercises such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, walking, cycling, and range-of-motion training. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Tai Chi
Tai Chi involves gentle and slow movements that help improve blood circulation and increase blood supply to the brain, thereby alleviating ischemia in the infarcted area and promoting recovery.
2. Baduanjin
Baduanjin is a specific set of exercises that act on the whole body, helping to unblock meridians and harmonize qi and blood circulation. It can enhance physical fitness and improve the body's resistance, which is beneficial for the recovery of patients with cerebral infarction.
3. Walking
Walking is a mild form of exercise that promotes blood circulation, enhances the contractile function of the heart and lungs, helps remove excess metabolic waste from the body, and facilitates metabolism.
4. Cycling
While cycling, patients can exercise the muscles of the arms and legs, promote blood circulation, enhance joint flexibility, prevent joint stiffness, and strengthen leg muscles, which helps prevent thrombosis.
5. Range-of-motion training
Patients with cerebral infarction often experience limited limb movement. Active or passive joint flexion, extension, and rotation exercises can be performed on joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. These exercises help prevent joint contractures and maintain joint flexibility.
Patients in the early stage of cerebral infarction should choose appropriate exercises based on their individual conditions and the advice of their physicians. Exercise should be moderate to avoid excessive fatigue, and physical responses should be closely monitored. If symptoms such as dizziness or chest tightness occur, exercise should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought.