Stroke is a disease that attacks the blood vessels in the brain, causing an interruption of blood flow to certain parts of the brain. This can result in brain damage and paralysis in the body parts controlled by the affected area of the brain. Individuals recovering from a stroke require more than just medication. A medical rehabilitation program is crucial, as stroke can cause significant long-term impairments in language, cognition, motor skills, and sensory abilities.
The role of the rehabilitation team in implementing a post-stroke rehabilitation program is essential for restoring function so that stroke survivors can achieve optimal functional recovery according to their condition. Essentially, all stroke patients require medical rehabilitation. Research suggests that stroke patients may experience lasting impairments for a period ranging from one to five years.
Post-stroke rehabilitation is a program designed to help stroke patients regain lost abilities and functions. The goal of post-stroke rehabilitation is to achieve optimal physical and psychological independence in the home environment or community. To achieve this, continuous exercise is necessary so that these activities become a part of the patient’s post-stroke life rather than an occasional practice. Active training should begin as soon as the post-stroke patient reaches a stable medical condition.
Benefits of a Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Program:
- Improves motor abilities, such as walking and active movement
- Enhances cognitive abilities, such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving
- Strengthens communication skills, such as speaking and understanding others
- Increases independence in daily activities, such as eating and dressing
- Prevents stroke complications, such as depression and fall risks
Types of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation:
- Physical function recovery: Aims to improve posture and balance while walking. Physical therapy generally has both short-term and long-term targets.
- Cognitive function recovery: Stroke can also impair cognitive functions. Brain damage caused by stroke increases the risk of vascular dementia.
- Psychological recovery: Individuals may experience psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are often marked by feelings of anger, anxiety, confusion, and frustration.
- Communication function recovery: Many stroke patients struggle with speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing difficulties.
Stroke can affect the part of the brain that controls the urinary tract system, leading to incontinence (inability to control urination). Guidelines for families include:
- Motivating patients to achieve their long-term goals.
- Adapting to the patient’s condition, such as speaking slowly if they have communication difficulties.
- Participating in every ongoing therapy process.
- Providing moral support and reinforcing the belief that recovery is possible over time.
The duration of post-stroke rehabilitation varies for each individual, depending on several factors, including:
- Age: Younger patients generally have better recovery capabilities than older patients.
- Severity of stroke: More severe strokes typically require longer rehabilitation periods.
- Comorbid conditions: Patients with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may require longer rehabilitation periods.
- Motivation and support: Patients who are motivated and have strong family and friend support tend to recover better and may need a shorter rehabilitation period.
The rehabilitation team at the Jakarta Rehabilitation Clinic will assist post-stroke patients in determining the right therapy program and monitoring their progress, both physically and psychologically. Post-stroke rehabilitation is a continuous process requiring ongoing therapy at healthcare facilities or at home. Therapists will monitor therapy programs conducted at home to ensure effective recovery. Stroke often leaves residual symptoms and limitations. However, with the right rehabilitation, individuals have the opportunity to regain independence, productivity, and an improved quality of life.
References:
Aguiar LT, Nadeau S, Britto RR, Teixeira-Salmela LF, Martins JC, Samora GA, et al. Effects of aerobic training on physical activity in people with stroke: A randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation. 2020;46(3):391–401.
Graham SA, Roth EJ, Brown DA. Walking and balance outcomes for stroke survivors: a randomized clinical trial comparing body-weight-supported treadmill training with versus without challenging mobility skills. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2018;15(1):92. Doi: 10.1186/s12984-018-0442-3.
Wilson R, Raghavan P. Stroke Rehabilitation (1st ed). Elsevier; 2018.