Balance Exercises for Stroke Patients

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises are important in helping to prevent falls. Moderate to severe strokes often cause a loss of sitting balance in patients so balance is one of the first things that needs to be addressed in stroke rehab. If one cannot sit up, it is impossible to do activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and toileting. One cannot learn to stand safely until sitting balance is maintained first. Below are some exercises to improve sitting and standing balance. Please consult your physician or therapist to see if these exercises are safe and appropriate for you. It is advisable to have a therapist or trained caregiver present when attempting balance activities in order to help prevent falls.

Weight Shift Side to Side
Shift weight over the right hip then the left hip. Ribcage should move side to side and hip should lift off of surface. Do not bend at the waist to lean. Repeat 10 times. Books are placed under the hands while sitting to allow weight bearing through arms and to keep the hands from coming up off the sitting surface.

Balance Exercises Weight Shift Forward

Weight Shift Forward and Back
Shift your weight forward and back by arching and rounding your low back. Repeat 10 times.

Leaning Down on Elbow
Lean down on to right elbow then push back up to center. Lean down on left elbow then push back up to center. Repeat 5 times.

Reaching Toward
Weak Side
Reach your non-affected arm out toward the weak side while bearing weight through the weak or paralyzed arm. If the weak arm buckles or the hand slides, have a helper support the weak arm at the wrist and just above the elbow. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Reaching Forward with
Clasped Hands
Clasp hands together and reach forward then sit back up straight. Repeat 10 times.

Balance Exercises Sit to Stand Balance Exercises Standing with Clasped Hands

Sit to Stand with Clasped Hands
Clasp hands together and reach forward lifting bottom off of sitting surface then coming to full stand if able. If unable to do full stand, partial stand is acceptable. Return to seated position and repeat 5 to 10 times.

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Home Stroke Rehab Blog Ask the Therapist LEARN ABOUT STROKE Stroke Prevention Types of Stroke Effects of Stroke Stroke Treatment Rehab Facilities Neuroplasticity STROKE REHAB EXERCISES Rehab Exercises Passive ROM Exercises Arm Strengthening Hand Exercises Balance Exercises Sensory Re-education Eye Exercises EQUIPMENT Home Exercise Equipment Adaptive Equipment Adaptive Clothing RESOURCES & CAREGIVER INFO Info for Caregivers Stroke Resources Support Groups Stroke News CONTACT Contact Me [?]Subscribe To This Site	Balance Exercises Balance exercises are important in helping to prevent falls. Moderate to severe strokes often cause a loss of sitting balance in patients so balance is one of the first things that needs to be addressed in stroke rehab. If one cannot sit up, it is impossible to do activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and toileting. One cannot learn to stand safely until sitting balance is maintained first. Below are some exercises to improve sitting and standing balance. Please consult your physician or therapist to see if these exercises are safe and appropriate for you. It is advisable to have a therapist or trained caregiver present when attempting balance activities in order to help prevent falls. Weight Shift Side to Side Shift weight over the right hip then the left hip. Ribcage should move side to side and hip should lift off of surface. Do not bend at the waist to lean. Repeat 10 times. Books are placed under the hands while sitting to allow weight bearing through arms and to keep the hands from coming up off the sitting surface. Weight Shift Forward and Back Shift your weight forward and back by arching and rounding your low back. Repeat 10 times. Leaning Down on Elbow Lean down on to right elbow then push back up to center. Lean down on left elbow then push back up to center. Repeat 5 times. Reaching Toward Weak Side Reach your non-affected arm out toward the weak side while bearing weight through the weak or paralyzed arm. If the weak arm buckles or the hand slides, have a helper support the weak arm at the wrist and just above the elbow. Repeat 5 to 10 times. Reaching Forward with Clasped Hands Clasp hands together and reach forward then sit back up straight. Repeat 10 times. Sit to Stand with Clasped Hands Clasp hands together and reach forward lifting bottom off of sitting surface then coming to full stand if able. If unable to do full stand, partial stand is acceptable. Return to seated position and repeat 5 to 10 times. Return from balance exercises to stroke rehab exercises Return from balance exercises to stroke rehab homepage Click Here for Disclaimer and Privacy Policy Copyright © 2010 Stroke-Rehab.com SBI!	Search this website: Loading Get your stroke rehab questions answered by a therapist! Click Here Share your stroke treatment or exercise recommendation. Click Here Share your stroke survival story. Click Here