Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation Exercises by Brunnstrom Stage - Mobilexo Arm (Home Version)

General Safety Tips for Home Exercises

✔ Always support the affected limb to prevent injury.
✔ Use chairs with armrests, non-slip mats, and grab bars for stability.
✔ Start slow—focus on quality, not speed.
✔ If spasticity increases, gentle stretching helps.

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Stage 1: Flaccidity (No Movement) – Home Exercises

Goal: Prevent stiffness, improve circulation, stimulate sensation.

1. Passive Arm & Leg Movements

   • Caregiver moves the arm/leg through full range (e.g., bending elbow, lifting knee).

   • Reps: 10x per joint, 2x/day.

2. Sensory Stimulation

   • Rub different textures (soft cloth, rough sponge) on the skin.

   • Temperature awareness: Alternate warm/cold packs (5 sec each).

3. Weight-Bearing (Early Edema Control)

   • Place the hand on a table, lean gently forward to stimulate shoulder awareness.

Modification for Foot Drop:

• Use a posterior splint (AFO) or towel stretch (loop a towel around the foot, pull toes up).

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Stage 2: Spasticity Begins – Home Exercises

Goal: Use synergies to trigger movement.

1. Facilitating Arm Flexion (Tabletop Reach)

   • Rest forearm on a table, slide hand forward (elbow bends naturally).

2. Leg Extension (Seated Marching)

   • Press foot into the floor, then lift knee slightly (triggering extensor synergy).

3. Hand Stimulation

   • Squeeze a soft ball or towel roll to encourage finger flexion.

Modification for Hand Spasticity:

• Open-hand stretch: Place palm flat on a table, gently press fingers down.

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Stage 3: Peak Spasticity – Home Exercises

Goal: Strengthen within synergies, reduce tightness.

1. Arm Flexion Against Gravity

   • Lift arm (elbow bent) while lying down (gravity-assisted).

2. Leg Press (Sitting to Standing)

   • Push through feet to stand up (uses extensor synergy).

3. Spasticity Reduction Stretches

   • Wrist stretch: Hold fingers straight for 30 sec, 3x/day.

   • Calf stretch: Lean against a wall, keep heel down.

Modification for Severe Spasticity:

• Vibration therapy (electric toothbrush on tight muscles).

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Stage 4: Breaking Synergies – Home Exercises

Goal: Train isolated movements.

1. Arm Control Outside Synergy

   • Practice lifting arm without bending the elbow (e.g., sliding hand along a table).

2. Finger Independence

   • Tap each finger to thumb ("piano playing").

3. Ankle Dorsiflexion (Foot Lift)

   • Sit, lift toes while keeping heel down.

Modification for Foot Drop:

• Towel scrunch: Place a towel on the floor, use toes to gather it.

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Stage 5: More Voluntary Control – Home Exercises

Goal: Refine coordination for daily tasks.

1. Drinking from a Cup

   • Focus on controlled elbow movement (not full flexion synergy).

2. Step Training

   • Practice lifting foot over a small obstacle (book).

3. Hand-Eye Coordination

   • Stack coins, turn pages of a book.

Modification for Weak Grip:

• Use rubber bands for resistance when opening fingers.

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Stage 6: Near-Normal Movement – Home Exercises

Goal: Improve speed & precision.

1. Buttoning a Shirt

2. Standing Balance (Single-Leg Stance)

   • Hold for 10 sec, 3x each leg.

3. Dynamic Walking

   • Walk heel-to-toe ("tandem gait").

Modification for Residual Weakness:

• Water bottle weight: Lift a small bottle for resistance.

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Stage 7: Normal Function – Maintenance Exercises

Goal: Prevent regression, improve endurance.

1. Tai Chi or Yoga (balance & coordination).

2. Light Jogging or Swimming.

3. Fine Motor Challenges (e.g., threading a needle).

Patient almost recover：
For Practice suggestion (Mobilexo Arm - Pro Version) 
i Practice 1-3 times a week , each time 1.5 hrs;

The World's Lightest EMG-Driven Self-Help 3-in-1 Stroke Medical Device: Mobilexo Arm (Home Version)

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Solutions for Common Post-Stroke Challenges

1. Hand Spasticity & Tight Fists

• Stretching: Open hand flat on a table, hold for 30 sec.

• Weight-Bearing: Lean on open palm while seated.

• Vibration: Electric massager on forearm flexors.

2. Foot Drop (Difficulty Lifting Toes)

• Towel Stretch: Sit, loop towel around foot, pull toes up.

• Heel Walking: Walk on heels only (strengthens dorsiflexors).

• Night Splint: Keeps foot at 90° while sleeping.

3. Poor Balance & Fear of Falling

• Seated Marching: Lift knees while sitting.

• Wall Push-Ups: Strengthens shoulders/core.

• Side-Stepping: Hold counter, step sideways.

4. Shoulder Pain (Subluxation)

• Arm Sling: Supports joint if weak.

• Scapular Squeezes: Pull shoulders back while sitting.

Final Tips for Home Rehab Success

✅ Consistency > Intensity – Short, frequent sessions work best.
✅ Use Mirror Feedback – Helps with motor relearning.
✅ Celebrate Small Wins – Even slight movement matters!

See more useful tips on:  Stroke Rehabilitation Exercise Checklist (Brunnstrom Stages 1-7)

For Stroke Rehabilitation:  The World's Lightest EMG-Driven Self-Help 3-in-1 Stroke Medical Device: Mobilexo Arm (Home Version) 

Email us by danny.chan@thecontechnology.com for more details.