Trunk Twist Reach for Brain Recovery After Stroke - Surprisingly Simple Stroke Care

The trunk twist reach exercise, that can be performed in sitting or standing, is designed to increase trunk range of motion and strength. It also improves proprioception or body position awareness. Regular practice can decrease fall risk and improve posture and weight shifting for better walking.
Here's how to do it. Sit with hands on the knees, or stand with feet spread shoulder width apart and hands on a waist high countertop. One hand is always resting on a knee or the countertop for stability. Keep the feet firmly planted on the floor. Don't lock the knees; they can be slightly bent for comfort. Reach to the right side with the left hand, rotating the trunk and watching that hand reach as far as possible to that side. Bring the left hand back to center. Reach to the left side with the right hand and then come back to center. This is one circuit. Repeat 10 times or as tolerated. If this exercise causes dizziness or seems to increase the risk of a fall, sit to perform it. Once a stroke survivor is comfortable performing this exercise in sitting, then attempt standing but only with someone close by to supervise. A wheelchair or other chair can also be placed behind the patient in case they need to sit down quickly. Try one set of 10 repetitions twice a day. If this is easy increase to 2 set of 10, 3 times a day.
For a resource filled with helpful information about stroke recovery read, Stroke Caregiver Survival Handbook: Everything You Missed About Stroke Recovery During the Rehab Stay, on Amazon, at amzn.to/44CuxZt .
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Take good care!
Ann Gupton, COTA/L, CLT, TMRC
No one can guarantee that any specific techniques or methods will diagnosis, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Seek medical advice from your healthcare practitioner for your specific conditions and symptoms. This statement is added by law.