Submissions from Readers

Range Of Motion for Rep for Exercise

Question:How much of the range of motion for the arm should be used for exercising? Or what do you recommend would count as a good "rep" to be used to count reps?


Answer: My response to that question would depend on the movement available to the patient. If I was working with a stroke patient that had regained movement and function and was simply needing a strength building routine then I would use exercise reps used in the general population for strengthening which is often 10-20 reps for several sets.

If, however, the patient has impaired movement/coordination, paralysis or only partial movement (which is the case with many stroke patients) then I would recommend hundreds of repetitions of functional movement each day since large amounts of repetition is needed for neuroplastic changes to take place in the brain. This would not be in the form of exercises like bicep curls but rather in repetition of functional activities that the patient wants to be able to do such as picking up objects, moving objects from one place to another, combing the hair, brushing the teeth, etc. Basically, there is no one size fits all answer to your question, but if you are looking to have a stroke patient regain movement and make neuroplastic changes in the brain, then there will be a lot of practice and repetition needed. Results will vary depending on the patient's existing movement, motivation, and the complexity of the task they are trying to complete.

Comments for Range Of Motion for Rep for Exercise

Amount of Range of Motion


If, for example, you could trace a "map" of the range of motion, is it typical for people to do home exercises using motions that go right to the edge of their range of motion? Or is it enough to go to about 1/2 or 75% of the total range of motion?

Answer from www.stroke-rehab.com: You would want to go through your full available range of motion (don't lock or hyperextend joints though) for most exercises. There are specialized exercises where you may only work on certain points of your range of motion such as working on terminal knee extension, but in general for most exercises, you would try and use your full range.

Treatment Tips from Others 

To see tips from other survivors and caregivers about their treatment recommendations, click here.

Newsletter Sign Up

Receive Stroke Recovery Tips, our online quarterly newsletter. Sign up below for free tips on exercises, resources, latest technology, apps, research and more!

To view past issues of Stroke Recovery Tips, visit  https://www.stroke-rehab.com/Stroke-Recovery-Tips-BackIssues.html



Stroke Rehab Guide

--->PDF Download<---

Stroke Rehab e-book pdf


Shop Rehab Products at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. All content on www.stroke-rehab.com is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare concerns, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. See the disclaimer and privacy policy page for more information.

Stroke Rehab Guide

--->PDF Download<---

Stroke Rehab e-book pdf

Recent Articles

  1. More damage done to paralyzed left arm as a result of carelessness.

    Question: My husband suffered a stroke which caused his entire left side with no feeling or movement. Recently, my husband possibly could have been turned

    Read More

  2. Shouting, Confusion, and Anger After Stroke

    Question from reader: My mom had a stroke about a month ago. Physically she is improving, but she has bouts of anger, confusion (says weird things), and

    Read More

  3. Cloudy vision after stroke

    Question: My mother had a stroke 1 yr ago. It caused partial loss of vision on her right side. During a 4 day road trip, her vision would get cloudy and

    Read More

  4. Flaccid Paralysis After Stroke

    Learn about stroke treatment for flaccid paralysis after stroke.

    Read More

  5. Vision Problems After Stroke

    Answers to patients' questions about vision problems after stroke and treatment.

    Read More

  6. Symptoms Getting Worse After Stroke

    If you experience sudden declines or changes after stroke, you should seek medical attention.

    Read More

  7. Flaccid Paralysis Treatment After Stroke: Questions and Answers

    Arm Passive Range of Motion
    Answers to questions about flaccid paralysis treatment after stroke including home exercises and treatment ideas.

    Read More

  8. Physio reducing sessions

    Question: My physio has told me my sessions are going down to 1 session per week now I'm home...I still cannot walk and I'm wheelchair-bound due to a stroke

    Read More

  9. Home care v s outpatient

    Question:: Which is better home care or outpatient voice therapy? Answer: There are several factors to consider. First, it would depend on the therapist

    Read More

  10. Stroke Hand Rehab

    Questions from patients about stroke rehab for the hand.

    Read More