Best Neurologic Rehabilitation Exercises of 2020

Summary

In this video, Dr. Tar Tobiason reflects on the top 10 exercises that he believes provide the most value in rehabilitation, focusing on a variety of movements that target different body parts. From tall kneeling sit-backs and bridging to shoulder external rotation stretching, these exercises help break up movement patterns caused by brain or spinal cord damage. Dr. Tobiason emphasizes exercises for both the upper and lower body, including weight-bearing and balance activities, and wraps up by recognizing the most impactful comment from viewers in 2020. The video encourages practical recovery through motor learning and proper exercise selection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Tar Tobiason presents a list of his top 10 favorite exercises from 2020, focusing on exercises that offer great benefits and are widely applicable for various conditions.
• 😀 The first exercise on the list is 'Tall Kneeling Sit Backs,' which helps break up synergy patterns after brain or spinal cord damage, promoting coordinated movement.
• 😀 Bridging is a key exercise for working on hip extension without knee extension, important for breaking extensor synergy patterns often seen after brain or spinal cord injuries.
• 😀 The 'Lat Stretch' is crucial for improving arm movement, particularly for overhead reaching, and reducing the internal rotation of the shoulder caused by tight lats.
• 😀 Shoulder external rotation stretching is vital for addressing tightness in muscles that internally rotate the shoulder, which can limit arm range of motion and cause pain.
• 😀 Weight-bearing exercises for the upper body are important for reducing spasticity, activating muscles, and improving proprioception for better arm control and function.
• 😀 Partial sit-to-stands are great for improving walking and balancing muscle use, particularly to address the common issue of relying on the stronger leg during movement.
• 😀 Medicine ball rolls, performed on the involved leg, improve balance and challenge the leg in multiple planes of motion, preparing the individual for real-life walking situations.
• 😀 Pelvic tilts are beneficial for balancing trunk muscles and improving posture, especially for individuals with hemiplegia or asymmetries between the left and right sides of the body.
• 😀 Sideline knee-to-chest exercises help engage underactive muscles in the leg, challenging movement in multiple planes and improving overall leg function during rehabilitation.
• 😀 The 'Prone on Elbows' position is important for stretching muscles that may have become shortened due to sitting or being in a flexed position for long periods, while also strengthening shoulder stabilizers.

Q & A

Why does Dr. Tobiason consider 'tall kneeling sit backs' one of his favorite exercises?

Dr. Tobiason loves tall kneeling sit backs because they help break up movement patterns that are often seen after brain or spinal cord damage, particularly the hip and knee extending at the same time. This exercise focuses on hip control while keeping the knee bent, making it safer and less anxiety-inducing for people recovering from such injuries.

What makes the 'bridging' exercise valuable in rehabilitation?

Bridging is valuable because it targets hip extension without causing knee extension, breaking up the extensor synergy pattern often found after brain or spinal cord damage. It's a key exercise to restore proper movement and strength in the hips.

How does a lat stretch help with shoulder mobility?

A lat stretch is crucial for improving shoulder mobility because tight lats can restrict overhead reaching and keep the arm internally rotated. Stretching the lat muscles helps restore good quality arm movement, allowing the arm to move past shoulder height without interference from bone structures in the shoulder.

Why is shoulder external rotation stretching important?

Shoulder external rotation stretching is important because it addresses tightness in the muscles that internally rotate the shoulder, a common issue after brain injuries. By stretching these muscles, it allows the arm to move freely through its full range of motion, reducing pain and improving the mechanics of shoulder movement.

What is the purpose of weight-bearing exercises for the upper extremities?

Weight-bearing exercises help decrease spasticity and activate muscles by providing proprioceptive input. This input improves awareness of the arm's position in space, which is especially helpful for those recovering from brain or spinal cord damage.

What is the benefit of the 'partial sit to stands' exercise?

The partial sit to stands exercise is beneficial because it helps distribute weight evenly between both legs, addressing the common issue of compensating with the stronger leg. It helps activate the weaker leg, improving balance and strength for better functional mobility.

How do medicine ball rolls aid in rehabilitation?

Medicine ball rolls are a great exercise for improving balance and coordination because they challenge the leg in different planes of motion, mimicking real-life scenarios that involve more than just forward or backward stepping. Practicing this in a controlled environment helps prepare the person for more complex movements in daily life.

Why are pelvic tilts helpful for people with hemiplegia?

Pelvic tilts are helpful because they balance out the trunk muscles, addressing asymmetries that often arise in individuals with hemiplegia. This exercise helps stretch shortened muscles on one side of the body and strengthens weaker muscles on the other, promoting better posture and balance.

What makes the 'sideline knee to chest' exercise effective in rehabilitation?

The sideline knee to chest exercise is effective because it targets weak or underactive muscles in the legs, working them through a diagonal motion. This challenges the leg in multiple planes of motion, improving muscle activation and control, which is especially important for people recovering from brain or spinal cord damage.

What are the benefits of the 'prone on elbows' position in therapy?

Prone on elbows is valuable because it helps stretch out muscles that have become shortened due to prolonged sitting or hospital recovery. It also engages the shoulder stabilizers and provides weight-bearing through the arms, which can aid in muscle activation and improve overall stability in the shoulder and upper body.