Passive range-of-motion exercise
●○○○○2 × 10 per joint
Gently move the affected limb's joints through a comfortable range, often assisted by a caregiver or therapist in early stages.
Post-stroke exercise emphasizes task-specific practice and repetition, since evidence consistently supports that meaningful, repeated practice of functional movements drives the neuroplastic changes underlying motor recovery.
Programs are highly individualized based on the specific pattern and severity of impairment, combining strengthening, coordination, and balance work with practice of real-world tasks such as reaching, standing, and walking.
Typical exercise menu
Active-assisted reaching
●●○○○3 × 10
Reach toward a target with the affected arm, using light assistance from the other hand or a therapist as needed.
Sit-to-stand practice
●●○○○3 × 8–10
Practice standing up from a stable chair with as much symmetrical weight-bearing as possible on both legs.
Weight-bearing on the affected leg
●●○○○3 × 20–30s
Stand with weight shifted onto the affected leg while holding a stable support, focusing on steady, even loading.
Task-specific hand practice
●●●○○3 × 10 repetitions of a functional task
Practice a specific functional task, such as grasping and releasing an object, repeatedly with the affected hand.
Gait training with support
●●●○○2 × 5–10 minutes
Practice walking with appropriate support such as a rail, walker, or therapist assistance, focusing on symmetrical steps.
Step-up practice
●●●●○3 × 8 each leg
Practice stepping up onto a low step with controlled weight transfer through the affected leg.
Dual-task walking
●●●●●2 × 5 minutes
Practice walking while performing a simple secondary task, such as carrying an object or answering questions, to build real-world balance and attention demands.
As motor control improves, exercises typically progress from passive and assisted movement toward active, resisted, and increasingly complex task-specific practice that mirrors real daily activities.