Know-Stroke.org » Rehabilitation

Australian Grant will go towards researching best stroke recovery outcomes

David — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:18:38 +0000

As reported by HealthNews.com, an Australian study hopes to make strides at determining which type of stroke rehabilitation protocol is best for recovery following a stroke. Here’s the article with more stroke recovery information on this important grant…

With 60,000 Australians expected to suffer from a stroke this year alone, a new study aims to find the best approach to rehabilitation to help sufferers recover more quickly and reduce their stay in hospital.

After a stroke, people going through rehabilitation need as much physical therapy as possible to achieve the best results. Now UniSA researchers have been awarded a grant by the National Health and Medical Research Council to investigate a variety of approaches so that patients recover independence and get home as quickly as possible.

Read the full stroke recovery article at HealthNews

Filed under: Clinical trials, Rehabilitation, Stroke Awareness, Tools for Recovery

Stroke Recovery Training Takes Time (and Hard Work!)

David — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:20:48 +0000

This challenging full body lunge exercise provides great balance and coordination retraining follow a stroke

Post by David Dansereau for Know-Stroke.org

This is one exercise I sometimes still visualize in my sleep and continue to work on to improve my balance post stroke. I’ve since been able to give it a boost by trying it with heavier weights, with my front leg on a Total Gym glideboard, and at times even successfully with my eyes closed.

Use caution and modify to your level of fitness / rehabilitation when needed*

Intensity Level: Moderate Difficulty with disc as shown

Lunge with Balance Disc
1) Stand with feet hip width apart. Take leg and step back approximately 2 feet standing on the ball of the foot. Place the front foot on a balance disc (or use the floor without disc for beginners).
2) Start position: Feet should be positioned at a staggered stance with head and back erect and straight in a neutral position. Hold medicine ball in front of your chest for added challenge.
3) Lower body by bending at hip and knee until thigh is parallel to floor. Body should follow a straight line down towards the floor.
4) Return to start position while raising the medicine ball overhead and repeat. Alternate or switch to other leg after prescribed reps.

5)Stroke Rehab Tip: Use a mirror and focus on a central point straight in front of you and always train both sides

This exercise is from my PT coaching site-My-Physical-Therapy-Coach.com

*You should follow a rep and set sequence that makes sense for your level of rehab or conditioning. If you are working with a physical therapist or qualified trainer consult with them first about adding this full body balance exercise to your stroke recovery training.

Filed under: Rehabilitation, stroke, Tools for Recovery Tagged: David Dansereau Stroke Blog, exercise tip for stroke recovery, know-stroke.org, PFO and stroke recovery, stroke recovery, stroke rehabilitation

Dig your grave with your teeth?

David — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:19:49 +0000

Heart disease and stroke are the number one and three causes of death in the United States. Inflammation has been shown to be a primary factor in the development of atherosclerosis, the major cause of cardiovascular disease. But did you ever think you could be “digging your grave with your teeth”.

If you keep up with the articles and posts from my nutrition site, my-nutrition-coach.com you might naturally think I’m referring to the heart disease and stroke risks associated with all the poor food choices we make.

While studies show dietary choices do contribute to the disease process and can lead to an early grave, the focus of this post is on the link between heart disease and gum disease.

A private comment on my stroke blog recently asking me about what meds one would need to take after PFO closure initiated this post. I generally leave specific medical advice to the docs, and most of the controversy and need for better patient guidelines post PFO closure surround the topic of continued blood thinning. One very important medication, and the one most often minimized after PFO closure, is the need to take some form of prophylaxis by antibiotics before dental procedures. Why?

Some surgical and dental procedures can cause a brief bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). No big deal, right? Well, if you have abnormal heart valves, prosthetic cardiac valves, congenital heart disease or have had cardiac procedures like stenting or occluders (PFO closure devices) placed then these bacteria can become lodged on these abnormal surfaces. The life threatening medical condition that results is called bacterial endocarditis and it is a heart risk that occurs when this normal bacteria from your mouth (source can also come from the respiratory tract, intestines or urinary tract) enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation in heart tissue.

Bottom line:

The people with the highest risk for bacterial endocarditis include those who have:

Prosthetic cardiac valve
Previous endocarditis
Congenital heart disease
Cardiac transplantation with cardiac valve abnormalities

For all others:

The obvious-Avoid periodontitis by brushing and flossing regularly and get those regular checkups and cleaning from your dentist-to help your cardiovascular system and keep you from “digging a grave with your teeth”.

[Sidebar and Quick Tip for those new members of the “heart plug club”]

Keep an extra dose of antibiotics on hand in case of dental emergencies and remember to take your dose as prescribed before you arrive at your dentist for your regular check-ups.

Article by David Dansereau for know-stroke.org

Sources:

Ide M et al,J of periodontology,2004

Yong-Hee P et al, J of Periodontal Research,2007

Filed under: Local Press, nutrition, PFO, Rehabilitation, Tools for Recovery Tagged: bacterial endocarditis, david dansereau and know-stroke.org, gum disease and heart disease risk, heart disease and gum disease, pfo medications after closure, pforesearch.org

If you have had your PFO closed recently or have had a stroke…What are you doing to thin your blood ?

David — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:20:53 +0000

Making progress for stroke /migraine / PFO awareness but many gray areas remain

I’m working on an article for my nutrition site my-nutrition-coach.com . The topic for this article is Omega-3 oils and I am researching the latest nutritional science and what (if any) advice medical professionals are giving to suggest alternate methods to keep your blood thin. I am especially interested in the nutritional advice given for those at risk of a repeat stroke or who might be on a prescription med, for example post-op after PFO closure).

How you can help me with your 2 cents:

If you are on a prescription medicine protocol of any kind after your event, what dietary advice was offered to you (in addition to traditional blood thinning meds)?

Please take this 2 second nutrition/medication poll:

I’d appreciate your feedback. I’ve had many readers ask me what are my thoughts on Omega-3′s, so I’ve provided this link to a recent article on the Omega3 I use.

As you may know it is buyer beware with all supplements so here’s what you should know to review your own brand.

I’ll keep you posted when the results from this poll roll in. Thanks for helping me tackle these PFO/Stroke/Migraine “Gray Areas” one topic at a time.

David P. Dansereau

Know-Stroke.org

Filed under: nutrition, PFO, Rehabilitation, Stroke Awareness, Tools for Recovery Tagged: David Dansereau, know-stroke.org, omega3's and PFO, stroke and blood thinning meds

Setting Smart Stroke Recovery Goals in 2010

David — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:02:32 +0000

Read my Goal Setting Article in Stroke Smart Magazine

How to Subscribe to StrokeSmart™ Magazine:

For qualified free subscriptions to StrokeSmart™ please call 1-800 STROKES (800-787-6537) or

Click here for your free subscription

Posted in Rehabilitation Tagged: David Dansereau, Free Stroke Smart Magazine Subscription, goal setting, PFO and stroke recovery, stroke recovery goals, StrokeSmart magazine

Lower Body Conditioning after a Stroke: It’s Still Your Job

David — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:43:25 +0000

By David Dansereau for Stroke Smart Magazine

Stroke rehabilitation therapies and modalities for lower-extremity training have indeed advanced in recent years with improved technology. Many of these advances are being driven by what researchers are learning about brain recovery and neuroplasticity. Physical therapists that embrace this concept for stroke recovery now develop rehabilitation protocols and use the same technologies that on many levels imitate conditioning for an athlete post-sports injury or for performance enhancement. For example, motion analysis and capture was a technology formerly reserved for high level athletes, but increasingly PTs are recognizing its power for stroke therapy.

Get ready to do your job
When preparing for lower body conditioning after a stroke it is important to set SMART goals. Once goals are set, the mindset (or work ethic) of the stroke survivor must mirror that of the athlete. Athletes perform purpose driven exercise and as a stroke survivor so should you. Don’t forget, stroke recovery is your job.

There are three qualities that all top athletes (and stroke survivors) share when preparing for their training (and stroke recovery):

1) Acquire a strong desire to succeed and are passionate about their goals
2) Open minded attitude about how to develop skills to do the best job possible
3) Movement (or exercise strategy) has purpose towards their goals

If you don’t have access to the new stroke therapy technologies, don’t get discouraged and quit your job. Know that traditional strength, balance, and gait training on land or using treadmills and other tools are still very effective. With and without the use of assistive devices these methods have proven to get results for stroke survivors that are motivated to get the job done. If you desire to get back your independence and confidence, the most important factor in any exercise program is compliance. It doesn’t matter if you paid thousands for your home exercise equipment , robotic device or functional electrical stim unit or you simply invested just a few dollars on an exercise ball, band or tubing. What matters most is that you use it regularly and with purpose.

In today’s changing healthcare system with lowered reimbursements and shorter treatment times, emphasis on home-based training continues to increase. It’s important for the stroke survivor to understand the importance of continuing with the appropriate exercise prescription for their own condition to ensure effectiveness and maximize functional outcomes. It is your job to put in the time to recover to your fullest. Do your job!

Home-based Exercise is Your Job: Here’s how to make it simple to get started

Elastic resistance or exercise tubing is ideal for the home setting because of its portability, cost and effectiveness (yes, even elite athletes use it because it works!). Several accessories are available to assist home exercisers, such as exercise handles, door anchors and portable gyms and flexibility tools. For more information on effective home resistive exercise programs using a thera-ball, bands or to locate inexpensive home gym essentials visit my-physical-therapy-coach.com and click on the Stroke Coach and Exercise Coach links

Resources/References:
Article Adapted from David’s Smart Moves Stroke Recovery Guidebook available Jan 2010

1 Stroke Smart Nov/Dec 2008 issue. 2008 The year in Review: Research and News that will change the face of stroke
2 Motion Analysis Corp (www.motionanalysis.com)
The MotionMonitor™, by Innovative Sports Training (www.innsport.com)
3 SMART Goals article for Stroke Smart by David Dansereau

Posted in Rehabilitation Tagged: David Dansereau, lower body conditioning and stroke, physical therapy and stroke, stroke recovery, stroke rehabilitation, Stroke Smart article, stroke technology

Excuses and Doing Your (Rehab) Job after a Stroke

David — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:13:23 +0000

I’m up late putting the finishing touches on my next mobility article for Stroke Smart Magazine and it got me reflecting on my own list of excuses and what it took (hard work) to overcome each of them. Here’s a look back on my own excuses to hopefully help you look forward towards your own rehab goals and getting your (stroke recovery)job done.

Tedys Team 2009 Boston

Every person in this photo had a long list of valid excuses not to run…

Above is a photo of our 2009 Tedy’s Team just prior to going to the start line for the Boston Marathon.
Tedy Bruschi mentioned a statistic when he spoke to our team that stuck in my brain- it went something like this…

“Less than 1% of all people in this world can say they completed a marathon”.

Bottom Line:

Millions of ordinary people choose millions of reasons why they don’t reach their goals. Here’s just a few of the obstacles (or better yet excuses) that went through my head when I was deciding last Fall to begin training for the 2009 Boston Marathon.

My long list of excuses included:

“I’m too busy”

“I can’t commit to that-it is too long.”

“I used to be really sick / my heart can’t handle it.”

“I’ll do it next year.”

“What if I come in last?”

“I’m a hockey player-we can’t run well.”

“My morning routine is pretty set.”

“I’ll be in pain for months after the marathon.”

“It could rain.”

“One year I remember it was really hot…”

“BLISTERS”.

“I don’t like that goo stuff.”

“Docs can’t tell me if anyone has run a marathon with the device I have in my heart.”

“I have to work the next day.”

“What if I have to go to the bathroom?”

“Yikes-Heartbreak Hill!”

“Who wants to train that much anyway.”

“I’ll get too skinny.”

I’ll have to run for 3+ hours on my day off to get in a “long run.”

“What if my back goes out again?”

“Compression shorts, vaseline, body glide, under armour, what?”

“ I have kids now, those days of pushing myself are behind me.”

“My wife might think I’m nuts or am having another stroke.”

“(If I could get her to agree with my goal), my wife might not sleep for 6 months while I am in training.”

“It will take time away from my family.”

“I’d rather stay indoors, do my usual routine and exercise where it is warm.”

“I’ll have to raise funds for Tedy’s Team in a difficult economy.”

“What if I can’t finish?”

What if…..

You did it anyway.

My point is, no more excuses please…. instead

Choose not to be ordinary.

I Guess I liked those 1% odds.
Now on to my next goal.

No more excuses.
Here’s help for you to help set your own goals

Here’s a starting walk to run workout planner to help you get moving.

Need a success journal to track your progress?-get it here

Still have excuses. Need help? Leave your comments:

Posted in Fundraising, Rehabilitation Tagged: Boston Marathon, pfo and stroke, stroke recovery goals, Tedy'sTeam

We need to do more

David — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:32:04 +0000

I know this is a start but we need to do more to raise stroke awareness. I was contacted on my blog today by AGA Medical letting me know of their new stroke awareness campaign. Congratulations, this is a step in the right direction, but it is something we should have started years ago. Here’s what they wrote,
“Thanks for your work on stroke awareness with Tedy’s Team. I know you are familiar with AGA Medical Corporation.
We have just launched a new stroke awareness campaign called TacklingStroke on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. It features video testimonials from professional football player Tedy Bruschi, who had a stroke in 2005, recovered fully, and was able to resume his career.”

The post references a video link to Tedy’s PR piece about the stroke warning signs, but the FDA still prohibits AGA Medical from mentioning the word PFO. Here’s the video, it is the same one that has been on AGA’s site except now you view it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TacklingStroke

Bottom Line:
We need to do more by getting out there and educating in our schools, so our teachers, coaches and youth know stroke warning signs. Tonight I’m at Lincoln Middle School doing just that. If you think I did A good job, post your comments here. If you think I can improve, I want to know more. If you want to help with my goals, I’ll take that too!!

Drop me a line, I don’t bite….

Posted in Advocacy, PFO, Rehabilitation, Share Your Story Tagged: PFO, Stroke Awareness, Tedy Bruschi

Treadmill train to promote brain gain

David — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:09:36 +0000

Treadmill-Training Benefits Stroke Patients

Treadmill-training has been making headlines recently in stroke therapy treatment. From the fitness standpoint, we have known for some time that studies have shown that people get more out of a treadmill than other fitness equipment because it is natural to walk or run, and users are more apt to stick with it for longer each session. This article will review a recent study using treadmills in stroke rehabilitation, as well as at some of the latest treadmill products on the market today.

The Research

According to recent research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, people who use treadmill-training can significantly improve their health and mobility. The results of this study, validated through brain imaging, that brain changes reflected actual neural “rewiring” -even years after having a stroke.

The study’s results, published in Stroke, the journal of the American Heart Association, suggest that patients’ brains may retain the capacity to rewire through a treadmill exercise program months or years after conventional physical therapy has ended.¹

For a full summary of this treadmill-training study as well as suggested treadmill brands please, continue reading here…

REFERENCES

Luft AR, Macko RF, Forrester LW, et al. Treadmill exercise activates subcortical neural networks and improves walking after stroke. A randomized controlled trial. Stroke. 2008:Aug

Posted in Rehabilitation, Tools for Recovery Tagged: PFO, rehab, stroke recovery and walking, treadmill training, treadmills

Do stroke victims work harder using new gaming technologies?

David — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:13:01 +0000

Research Update:

Recently I had the chance to try out the Nintendo Wii Fit system for the first time. I’ll plan to follow up with a post later on my thoughts on this device as a stroke rehabilitation tool. Since using the system and forming my own opinion, I wanted to research how other therapists might be embracing this emerging technology. In the short time I have been following this “Wii-habilitation” movement I have to say I receive 4-5 google alerts each day with updates from both therapy and gaming blogs using the term wii-habilitation. This post from a CNET News Blog caught my eye because it showed how cutting edge rehabilitation centers around the country are starting to receive research grants to study how effective Wii and other gaming devices can be to help stroke survivors retrain lost motor skills and regain function.

This from the CNET Blog :

“And now researchers at the University of South Carolina are turning the trend into a research project that will study exactly how well the Wii and other games can help stroke victims recover motor skills and overcome a fear of falling after their trauma.

The research is part of a new $2 million grant from philanthropic group the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which will be administered by the University of California Santa Barbara’s Health Games Research Center. On Thursday, the two organizations announced that 12 different research projects, including USC’s Wii project, will receive funding of up to $200,000 each to study how interactive games can be used to improve public health and the health care profession. The studies will last between one to two years.”