
When recovering from a stroke early mobilization is key in order to stimulate the brain to rebuild the neural pathways involved in movement patterns. Incorporating repetitive movement into the rehabilitation process can help patients to regain function and improve muscle strength and mobility.
Mobilization begins soon after the stroke
MedupV2 Bike is ideally suited for stroke recovery patients. Multiple settings allow the patient to cycle with both arms and legs with variable assist settings. For institutional and home use to prevent muscle atrophy and get on the path to greater mobility!
Rehabilitation should begin as soon as the patients’ condition has stabilized following a stroke, usually within 24 to 48 hours. This fast response helps encourage the brain’s neuroplasticity in rebuilding the pathways that stimulate movement. While it’s not possible to revive brain cells that have died during the lack of blood flow that created the stroke, the brain is resilient and can repair itself to some extent. The rate of recovery will vary significantly from one patient to the next, with some fully recovering and others only regaining minimal movement.
How to regain movement after a stroke
Neuroplasticity helps the brain’s healthy areas take on the tasks that were once controlled by the areas affected by the stroke. This does take time and effort, so following the rehabilitation routine set out by a physical therapist is essential. Repetitive practice is the only way to stimulate neuroplasticity and potentially regain the use of the affected limbs and muscles.
One of the best ways to incorporate a routine of repetitive movements is through the use of an active-passive cycle trainer. This portable tool can be used unsupervised and has a wide variety of features that will help promote stroke recovery and increased mobility for the patient.
Both active and passive exercises are necessary

During stroke recovery patients should be working on both active and passive exercises in their rehabilitation program. Using both methods will help create the most well-rounded recovery process, and offer the biggest chance for improved mobility.
Passive exercises help the patient deal with spasticity and to improve their overall range of motion, and are usually quite easy to complete. These exercises help to stretch and lengthen muscles without straining or exerting them. Examples of passive exercises may include:
Gentle stretching – With assistance or on their own, having a patient lift their arms above their head and move them through their full range of motion can help stretch tight arm muscles. The same can be done with legs, ankles, fingers and wrists.
Flexing fingers and toes – Repeatedly opening hands wide and forming them into a fist can help reduce cramping and tightness in hands while improving range of motion. Rotating and pointing toes can help improve discomfort in their toes, feet and ankles.
Using an arm ergometer on passive setting – An arm ergometer with the ability to provide passive support can help stimulate blood flow, build muscle and improve the effects of spasticity in stroke patients.
On the other hand, active exercises actually force the muscle to do some work, which can improve range of motion, improve muscle strength and help rebuild neural pathways in the brain. Active exercises may include:
Repetitive tasks – Simple tasks light flipping a light switch, turning an object upside down and back upright and squeezing a foam ball can strengthen weak muscles.
Core work – In order to effectively strengthen arms and legs, a patient’s core will need some focus as well. Tasks like laying on their back on the floor and lifting one leg at a time or using their legs to balance and lifting their pelvis can help strengthen their core muscles.
Arm and leg cycling – The active setting on an at-home cycle trainer allows the patient to use their own strength while cycling. If one side is weaker than the other, they can use the symmetrical training settings to help compensate.
A cycle trainer helps stroke recovery
Including a cycle trainer during at home stroke rehabilitation can offer many benefits to the patient and their caregivers. Maintaining a regular, daily exercise routine is the best way to help the brain recover, and to help muscles fight atrophy and spasticity.
An active-passive cycle trainer can support mobility in stroke patients in many ways including:
- Improves arm and leg function
- Helps reduce muscle spasms
- Improves spasticity
- Help rebuild neural pathways to regain movement and mobility
- Counteracts the learned habit of not using their weakened limb
Mobility support is essential during stroke recovery
After a significant health event like a stroke, it can be easy for a patient to avoid mobilization and rehabilitation. The effort required to retrain the brain and recover weakened muscles can be significant, and the task can feel daunting. However, the sooner they can incorporate active and passive exercises into their daily routine, the more likely they are to experience increased mobility. Offering these patients support during these new routines is key in helping them to regain independence and mobility in the long run. Including an active/passive cycle trainer into their recovery is a great way to encourage progress and provide support.