Rehabilitation is a critical process for people who have had a stroke because it minimizes the impact of brain damage. It also enhances muscle strength and balance in the individual, enabling them to become more independent. Without rehabilitation, people with stroke would be predisposed to a life where daily activities are restricted. The rehabilitation process is carried out by a multidisciplinary team that includes an occupational and speech therapist as well as a personal trainer. The role of a personal trainer in the rehabilitation process of people with stroke is critical, as will be discussed below.  

Helping with strength training

A personal trainer will include resistance training in their rehabilitation program. This involves exercises that concentrate on activities that aim at restoring functionality. The personal trainer will use various resistance devices, such as stability balls, resistance bands, or ankle weights to provide a safe, challenging activity that will enhance the strength of the patient. If a patient has neurological impairments, the personal trainer will help them make posture adjustments so that they can engage in these strength-enhancing exercises. For example, if a person has lost balance as a result of the stroke, the trainer will have the individual perform these strength-enhancing exercises while seated.

Improving flexibility

A personal trainer helps a stroke patient to regain their flexibility. They do this by stretching all the muscles in the body but taking precautions not to strain them too much. A personal trainer will use the static approach of flexibility training, as it minimizes the chance of overstretching the recovering muscles beyond the limit. Static stretching involves lengthening the muscles slowly until a person feels slight discomfort for a short period of time, like 30 seconds. The personal trainer repeats this exercise a number of times, and this helps in reducing stiffness in the muscles. Static stretching also improves the posture of the patient and decreases their chances of having muscle injuries in the future.

Enhancing endurance

A personal trainer will use the aerobic-conditioning approach to build the endurance of the person undergoing rehabilitation from a stroke. The main aim of these exercises is to minimize the risk of the individual getting other conditions, such as hypertension. Aerobics help in reducing body fat and also in regulating glucose in the body. The personal trainer will assess the balancing ability of the individual before deciding on the best aerobic exercises.  For example, those with minimal motor impairment, good balance, and the ability to stand without using a cane can comfortably use a treadmill under the surveillance of the personal trainer.

If you are undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke, consider engaging a personal trainer in the process. The professional will use your medical report to evaluate your needs and formulate a personalized exercise program that will enhance all the aspects discussed above.   

Talk to a company like Halevy Life for more information.