By: Caitlin Wright, MOT, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS
Experiencing a stroke can lead to motor impairments, including hemiparesis, which is a weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These impairments can often impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, driving, walking, and using the restroom. Traditionally, physical and occupational therapy focus on helping people adapt to these changes; however, research is now recommending methods that help recover function.
Weight-bearing, or putting weight on an individual’s affected arm or leg, supports stroke recovery through proprioceptive input. Proprioception is your body’s sense or awareness of where it is in space. It’s like an internal GPS that tells your brain where your limbs are and how they are moving. Proprioception plays a crucial role in our ability to move smoothly and coordinate our actions. It involves a complex network of sensors in our muscles, joints, and skin that constantly sends information to the brain about our body’s position in space. This allows us to adjust our movements, maintain balance, and react to changes in our environment.
Weight-bearing activities activate this internal GPS (proprioception) by sending signals to the brain. These signals help the brain “remap” itself and regain movement. These weight-bearing activities increase muscle activity on the weaker side of the body. Studies show that increasing the amount of weight on the weaker side results in even greater muscle activation, which can lead to increased strength and function. Weight-bearing activities include, but are not limited to: standing, walking, pushing against resistance, push-ups, and yoga.
Research suggests that weight-bearing exercises can be highly beneficial for individuals with hemiparesis. By stimulating the proprioceptive system, these exercises can:
By harnessing the power of our internal GPS system (proprioception) through weight-bearing, new possibilities can be unlocked for stroke recovery and improve an individual’s ability to reach their goals. At Sheltering Arms Institute, the therapy team utilizes weight-bearing activities to meet the patient’s goals of returning to preferred activities. Therapy is always tailored to individual needs; considerations include the stage of recovery, overall health, and goals.
If you or a loved one are seeking physical rehabilitation services post-stroke, contact us at Sheltering Arms Institute or call (804) 764-1000.
References
Aman, J. E., Elangovan, N., Yeh, I. L., Konczak, J. (2015). The effectiveness of proprioceptive training for improving motor function: a systematic review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.01075
Billinger, S. A., Arena, R., Bernhardt, J., Eng, J. J., Franklin, B. A., Johnson, C. M., MacKay-Lyons, M., Macko, R. F., Mead, G. E., Roth, E. J., Shaughnessy, M., Tang, A. (2014). Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors: A statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 45(8), 2532–2553. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000022
Krishnamoorthy, K., Varadharajulu, G., & Kanase, S. B. (2017). Effect of closed kinematic chain exercises on upper limb spasticity in hemiparetic adult. Indian Journal of The Role of Proprioception in Weight Bearing Interventions of Stroke Rehabilitation 28 Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, 11(2), 146–152. https://doi-org/10.5958/0973-5674.2017.00052.1
