Innovative Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

"The intervention consists of exercises that demand enhancement of dynamic trunk stability and functional movements, combined with the following:~1. Optimised alignment and adaptation to the base of support and often using an unstable reference point for the trunk (therapeutic ball) or the distal body parts.~2. Enhanced somatosensory integration of hands, feet and face, including reduced influence of vision to enhance somatosensory integration.~3. Proximal stability prior to selective task-oriented movement of limbs, head, eyes.~4. Inclusion of dual tasks (motor/motor and motor/cognitive) in exercises and activities such as walking indoors, out-doors and climbing stairs.~5. Specific hands-on interactions or other adaptations to optimise alignment and neuromuscular recruitment.~6. Exercises combining core activation and moderate increase in heart rate: in lying, sitting, standing and walking."

According to national guidelines for stroke care, every patient in Norway will receive in-patient rehabilitation, home-based and out-patient based physiotherapy.