How to Perform Functional Exercises After a Cerebral Infarction
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Functional exercises after cerebral infarction can be systematically carried out through limb movement rehabilitation, balance and coordination training, language function restoration, daily life simulation, cognitive stimulation therapy, and psychological adjustment training. Functional exercises require long-term persistence; patients should remain patient and confident, gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration. Individuals should choose suitable types of exercise according to their own conditions and avoid excessive fatigue.
Brain infarction, also known as cerebral infarction. Functional rehabilitation after cerebral infarction can be systematically conducted through limb movement rehabilitation, balance and coordination training, language function restoration, daily life simulation, cognitive stimulation therapy, and psychological adjustment training. If there are any concerns, early medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Limb Movement Rehabilitation: Transition gradually from passive joint activities, such as family-assisted elbow and knee flexion and extension, to active resistance training, such as gripping a stress ball or lifting sandbags. Focus on improving muscle strength and tone on the hemiplegic side. Conduct sessions at different times throughout the day, each lasting 20–30 minutes, and use electromyographic biofeedback devices to enhance the accuracy of training.
2. Balance and Coordination Training: Initially, use a balance board for static standing, gradually progressing to dynamic challenges such as maintaining balance while tossing and catching balloons. In later stages, gait training such as stepping over obstacles or walking up and down slopes can be performed. If necessary, use a quad cane for support and reduce the risk of falls.
3. Language Function Restoration: Employ the Schuell stimulation method, starting with single-syllable pronunciation such as "ba" and "ma," and gradually progressing to word combinations such as "apple-red." Combine picture naming exercises with situational dialogue simulations. Maintain one hour of daily language stimulation, with family members providing patient and careful correction of errors.
4. Daily Life Simulation: Set up a simulated home environment in the rehabilitation department to train patients in performing activities such as dressing, toileting, and eating. Use task analysis to break complex behaviors into executable step units.
5. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Use number puzzles to train spatial orientation, memory cards for object matching games, and time management exercises such as setting alarms to remind patients to take medication. Combine virtual reality technology to simulate real-life scenarios like grocery shopping to improve problem-solving abilities.
Functional rehabilitation requires long-term persistence. Patients should remain patient and confident, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training. Choose appropriate forms of exercise according to individual conditions, avoiding excessive fatigue and strenuous activity.
References:
[1] Ke Hongping, Ke Le. Implementation value of limb functional exercise combined with emotional care in modified Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction treatment of patients with cerebral infarction. Journal of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 2021, 38(S1): 110+112.
[2] Ni Ximei, Xu Jiajia, Yuan Xiaoxiao, et al. Research progress on rehabilitation nursing for sequelae of cerebral infarction. Contemporary Nurse (Afternoon Edition), 2018, 25(7): 5–8.
