Movement
Low stress movement is a crucial component of recovery after a brain injury. When an individual experiences a brain injury, it can cause inflammation in the brain, which can lead to further damage and hinder recovery. Engaging in low stress movement can help to reduce inflammation and promote the production of growth factors, which are critical for the development of new brain cells and the repair of damaged tissue.
When we engage in physical activity, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells. This increased blood flow can help to support brain function and promote healing after a brain injury. However, high intensity movement after a brain injury can also increase inflammation and potentially cause further damage to the brain, which is why it's recommended to engage in low stress movement such as yoga and walking.
In addition, low stress movement can also help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being, which is important for individuals recovering from a brain injury. However, it is important to note that after a brain injury, individuals may need to engage in modified forms of physical activity that are low stress and avoid activities that are too strenuous or potentially dangerous. Working with a physical therapist or other healthcare provider can help individuals with a brain injury to develop an appropriate exercise program that supports recovery and minimizes the risk of further injury.
Overall, low stress movement is an important component of brain injury recovery, as it can help to promote blood flow to the brain, support brain function, and facilitate the healing process. By working with a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate exercise program, individuals with a brain injury can take an active role in their recovery and optimize their chances of achieving the best possible outcomes.
Low stress movements
Walking
Tai Chi
Swimming
Pilates
Stationary cycling
Gentle stretching
Water aerobics
Resistance band exercises
Low-impact aerobics
Patient Reviews
Not strenuous exercise (within reason)- bike machine, rowing machine, body weight strengthening stuff. Gradually increasing as I get better.
I did loads of reading and plenty of sources supported cardio to help with brain injuries. The blood flood to the brain is helpful with memory) I now walk about 1.5-2 miles a day
This is a drag. Before my injury, I was used to being unrestricted. I trained as much as would be necessary, often pushing the envelope and my longest days would be up to 8h and my week loads, somewhere between 20-30h at best. I was an Ironman distance finisher and as soon as my head hit that sheet of ice, everything was wiped away.
I begged, kicked and screamed because I wanted to get back on the horse again. I know my body needs to sweat and I become totally insufferable when I don’t. What hit me like a ton of bricks was the first test my physiotherapist put me through: try to get 10 minutes done a stationary bike, max heart rate 120 bpm. I laughed and thought he was crazy. I made it to 9 minutes and 45 seconds. Then I almost fell off the bike, dead tired and all systems shouting for help. That day, if I had been healthy, I’d have done 5h on the bike.
I started out doing 10 minutes with a max heart rate of 120 bpm every other day. The neurological symptoms don’t hit you until 36-48 hours after your workout. If I experienced any symptoms, I had to stop immediately. If I didn’t experience any symptoms, we’d increase the time by 2 minutes every two weeks. No, I didn’t even work up a sweat the first few months. But it felt amazing. Two months into the program, I had to start all over again. It sucked. But it had to be done. Total honesty is the only way to go. My neck became so stiff, that all the symptoms rolled in. It took me a long time to get to 40 minutes and once I got there, we raised the heart rate to 130 bpm and started over, 10 minutes every other day. Or so I remember. When I got to 130 bpm for 30 minutes, we added an interval into the mix. I got to raise my heart rate to 145 bpm. My entire rehab history is on Movescount, I use a Suunto watch (Supporting the Finnish tech scene) and can be found behind this link: http://www.movescount.com/members/member133768-RobsonL
As I write this, it kind of hits me how far I’ve come. This week, I’ve done 90 minutes on the trainer, 3,7k in the pool and 5,7k running. I started by running the distance between two light posts, swimming 100m and worked my way up from there. I felt so damn sick after these things that seemed like baby steps and meaningless non-workouts. But it’s all worth it.
If you want to fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. In plain English, include your team. Challenge them. Trust them. Listen to them.
Another beneficial activity I resumed after my injury was going back to the gym. Working out at the gym is a motivational booster and helps build your self-esteem. When I worked out, I felt good, so did the muscle ache felt the next day. Unfortunately, my stamina and patience had decreased and as a result, my workouts were quick. With the decrease of my patience, I had left early if the gym was extremely busy and if I felt lost in the gym because the exercise machines and benches were taken. My threshold of being in crowds had decreased as well and I would go in and out of the stores.
Our bodies need to move, just make sure to listen to your body and not over push it as you can trigger your symptoms.
I adored exercise during recovery. I think this helped me so much to limit the effects of issues brought on by overeating, I overate because I wasn't pleased with life at the worst stages. I know little about the effects on the brain, but I feel that changes were certainly helped during the process and it also kept my mind at ease with a feeling of slight achievement in the day to day chaos.