A wave of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials over the last few years has refined our understanding, confirming task-specific training (TST)'s efficacy while also shedding light on critical factors like intensity and technological integration.
Task-specific training involves repetitive, goal-directed practice of real-world functional tasks, such as grasping a cup or buttoning a shirt, rather than isolated, non-functional exercises. By promoting active problem-solving and engaging neural pathways in a meaningful context, TST harnesses the brain's plasticity to maximise motor recovery.
A recent systematic review in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy synthesised findings from 16 studies involving nearly 700 stroke survivors. The review found strong evidence supporting activity-based TST for improving UL motor function, motor performance, and activities of daily living (ADLs). and a May 2025 study in Clinical Rehabilitation found task-oriented training produced statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in UL function for patients with subacute stroke compared to conventional exercise programmes.
The latest research is also exploring ways to amplify the effects of TST by combining it with cutting-edge techniques; a 2023 network meta-analysis found that combining TST with electrical stimulation is a promising approach for improving UL motor function, especially for individuals within six months of stroke onset.
Interestingly, a group of newer studies are examining dual-task training (DTT), where individuals practice a task while performing a secondary activity. Preliminary results from a May 2025 study suggest DTT can effectively improve UL function and trunk performance in chronic stroke patients.
ARNI says that the evidence for task-specific training in stroke rehabilitation is undeniable. Recent research provides new avenues for enhancing its effects through technology and combination therapies. The message is clear for us stroke survivors: focusing on repetitive, meaningful, real-world tasks is a highly effective strategy for regaining a handle on life after stroke.
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Recent research provides a clearer picture of the efficacy of active and dynamic orthotics for stroke survivors. A scoping review published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found moderate evidence that dynamic upper extremity orthoses can significantly improve fundamental performance skills like gripping and pinching.
Another recent study in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology showed that a wearable hand orthosis combined with self-directed training enhanced upper limb motor function and balance. Key findings from these and other recent studies include:
1. Dynamic orthoses like the Saeboflex, pictured, can be effective in improving isolated motor skills (up to a point). However, the evidence is not yet conclusive that these improvements translate directly into better performance of everyday activities, such as dressing or grooming.
2. A dynamic orthosis is most effective when integrated into a structured, task-oriented rehabilitation programme. Studies show that a higher 'dose' of active training leads to greater functional gains.
3. 3D-printed, personalised orthoses can increase patient satisfaction and comfort, potentially leading to higher compliance with home-based rehabilitation programmes.
ARNI says that active orthotics are a promising tool to augment upper-limb stroke rehab, but their greatest potential is realised when they support active, task-specific training to improve motor skills.
www.ar#strokerehabt#neurorehabilitationb#strokerecoveryk#rehabilitationb#neuroscienceu#strokerehabt#activeorthoticse#occupationaltherapyn#neurology##RehabilitationResearcho#medtechh #MedTech
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Exercises are the best way to improve your gait after a stroke. Your ARNI Trainer can recommend some appropriate exercises for you based on your ability level.
Call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com to find out if there's a trainer near you who can work with you on your recove#neurorehabilitationa#strokeexerciser#strokerehabr#strokerecoveryo#strokerehabR#Neuroplasticityicity
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Please, whenever you use any shop, from Amazon to Tesco, please use this link; once you checkout, the brand you shop with will donate to the cause of your choice, free of charge! PLEASE CLICK THE PICTURE LINK BELOW!
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Did you have significant drop shoulder after stroke? If so, could you tell us how you resolved it??
Living with a dropped or weak shoulder after stroke can be challenging, but here at ARNI we know it's manageable with the right strategies. I myself have severe drop shoulder (Tom). By staying proactive and consistent, you CAN reduce pain and regain function. Here are key strategies to help with a dropped shoulder:
1. Focus on proper positioning and support
• Use pillows and cushions: When sitting or lying down, use pillows to support your arm and shoulder. A lap tray can also be helpful for support while sitting on a sofa or in bed.
• Wear a sling, if prescribed: A therapist might recommend a sling or cuff to support the arm, especially when standing or walking, to prevent the ligaments from overstretching.
• Avoid pulling on the affected arm: It is crucial for anyone assisting you to never pull on your affected arm, especially when helping you stand or move.
2. Incorporate gentle, repetitive exercises
• Passive range-of-motion: Use your un-affected arm or have a caregiver gently move your affected arm. This helps stimulate neural pathways and keeps joints mobile.
• Tabletop exercises: Using a towel on a table, slide your arm forward and side-to-side, assisting with your other hand. This reduces friction and allows for a gentle stretch.
• Shoulder blade squeezes and shrugs: While seated, practice squeezing your shoulder blades together or shrugging your shoulders up toward your ears. Use a mirror to monitor your form.
3. Explore specialised rehabilitation techniques
• Electrical stimulation (E-Stim): A therapist or trainer can use a FES to apply electrical impulses to your shoulder muscles. This can help re-educate muscles and reduce subluxation and pain.
• Mental practice and mirror therapy: Visualising yourself doing exercises can help activate neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself. Mirror therapy, which uses a mirror to "trick" the brain into seeing the affected arm move, can also be very effective.
• Weight-bearing exercises: Gradually put weight through your affected arm while sitting or standing. This provides sensory input to the brain, which can help activate muscles.
www.arni.uk.com
#Strokeexercise #Neurorehabilitation #Strokerehab #ARNIstrokerehabilitioninstructortraining
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Did you know that currently, significant strides are being made in cognitive rehabilitation for stroke survivors, moving beyond traditional methods to leverage technology and neuroplasticity. Research is uncovering new avenues to help individuals regain and improve memory, attention, and executive functions impacted by a stroke. Key advances include:
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): This emerging technology translates brain signals into computer commands, allowing patients to control devices and engage in rehabilitative activities directly with their minds. BCIs aim to stimulate neuroplasticity and promote cortical reorganisation, showing promise particularly for those with more severe impairments.
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS): Techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulate electrical activity in affected brain regions. NIBS is being explored as an adjunct therapy to enhance neural plasticity and maximise the effects of cognitive and physical training, even in chronic stroke phases.
Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy: Immersive VR environments are being used to create interactive, simulated tasks that challenge and train cognitive skills in engaging ways. Studies show that VR can enhance daily cognitive tasks, with some research indicating it may be more effective than non-VR interventions for memory and cognition.
ARNI understands that further research is crucial to validate the long-term efficacy of these new approaches through larger-scale clinical trials. Biomarkers and improved patient stratification are needed to determine who benefits most from specific interventions.
#strokerehab #cognitiverehabilitation #Neuroplasticity #VirtualReality #braincomputerinterface #nibs #strokerecovery #neurology #RehabilitationScience
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Approximately 40% of stroke survivors experience this difficulty: to comprehend or produce spoken or written language caused by a cerebrovascular accident. In half of these cases the language impairment still persists one year post-stroke. Aphasia has wide-ranging effects on the ability to function and quality of life of stroke survivors and easily leads to social isolation.
If you need help, ARNI SLT Telerehab can now help YOU, right now, wherever you are in the world!
The latest evidence shows clearly that you can conquer aphasia very successfully with the help of speech and language therapy.
And it also shows that SLT Telerehab is just as effective as in-person, face to face treatment.
We have a team of highly experienced low-cost specialist SLTs (all post-grads from Universities such as UCL, the University of Cape Town etc) who are available to help you right now, in your home, via Zoom. You get a one to one hourly service, based around your diary needs, from the comfort of your own home, with a highly experienced specialist speech and language therapist. Please enquire to arni.uk.com/get-remote-speech-language-help-now/ !
#aphasia #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #strokerehab #aphasiaawareness #neurorehabilitation #arni #exerciseafterstroke #strokeexercise #strokerecoveryexercises #Neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab
www.arni.uk.com
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Are you a stroke survivor trying to strength train at home?? You need yourself the ARNI Bar! This innovative exercise bar is particularly designed for stroke survivors wanting to strength train at home.
Get yours now!!
Retrain safely, with a greater range of motion than with a usual bar, with Dr Tom’s Combo Bar!
Designed and patented by Dr Tom Balchin in 2012, and currently manufactured and sold by Primal Strength, Dr Tom’s Combo Bar was designed for people with limitations from stroke, who often have difficulties with arm extension (particularly with spasticity), requiring triceps stimulation.
Furthermore, people training after head trauma (often military personnel) who have required surgery (craniotomy) have to take care that triceps work with a bar doesn’t inadvertently impact upon scar tissue, thereby initiating or exacerbating epilepsy.
Dr Tom’s Combo Bar allows you to perform Lying or Seated Overhead Triceps Extensions BUT with some major advantages:
Firstly, the Shape of the Bar allows room for your head meaning you get a greater range of motion and more muscle fibre recruitment.
Secondly, the Neutral Grip Ergonomic Handles mean you not only get a better contraction of the lateral head of the triceps but you also minimise the stress on the elbows that often comes with this exercise.
This bar is also really great for variations of Standing Bicep Curls, with a better range of movement at the top position.
You can even use it for Standing or Seated Overhead Presses and by grasping the top handle enclosure, Standing or Bent-Over Rows. Squats, Shrugs or for Complexes!
This bar is great: it will take anything you can throw at it. Use it for every upper-body session.
Get this bar now and 100% of your purchase goes directly back to helping people with acquired or traumatic brain injury! arni.uk.com/product/dr-toms-combo-bar/
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The ARNI Institute | Charity For Stroke Survivors
www.arni.uk.com
The ARNI Institute is a UK Registered Charity: No. 1116130. Currently in our 20th year of voluntary work, we are committed to teaching stroke and other acquired injury survivors to gain better action ...
Are you a stroke survivor trying to strength train at home??
Then you need to get yourself a Dr Tom’s Combo Bar! It's seriously solid state and is only £99. This innovative exercise bar is particularly designed for stroke survivors wanting to strength train at home.
Get yours now!! Retrain safely as a stroke survivor, with a greater range of motion than with a usual bar, with Dr Tom’s Combo Bar.
Designed and patented by Dr Tom Balchin in 2012, and currently manufactured and sold by Primal Strength, Dr Tom’s Combo Bar was designed for people with limitations from stroke, who often have difficulties with arm extension (particularly with spasticity), requiring triceps stimulation.
Furthermore, people training after head trauma (often military personnel) who have required surgery (craniotomy) have to take care that triceps work with a bar doesn’t inadvertently impact upon scar tissue, thereby initiating or exacerbating epilepsy.
Dr Tom’s Combo Bar allows you to perform Lying or Seated Overhead Triceps Extensions BUT with some major advantages:
Firstly, the Shape of the Bar allows room for your head meaning you get a greater range of motion and more muscle fibre recruitment. Secondly, the Neutral Grip Ergonomic Handles mean you not only get a better contraction of the lateral head of the triceps but you also minimise the stress on the elbows that often comes with this exercise.
This bar is also really great for variations of Standing Bicep Curls, with a better range of movement at the top position.
You can even use it for Standing or Seated Overhead Presses and by grasping the top handle enclosure, Standing or Bent-Over Rows. Squats, Shrugs or for Complexes!
This bar is great: it will take anything you can throw at it. Use it for every upper-body session.
Get this bar now and 100% of your purchase goes directly back to helping people with acquired or traumatic brain injury. arni.uk.com/product/dr-toms-combo-bar/
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Here's a tip if you're faced with stairs that have no handrail/handrail on the wrong side.
Get the person with you to stand one step lower and put your hand on their shoulder for support while you take a step.
www.arn#Neuroplasticityp#strokerehabilitationb#strokerecoveryk#ARNIstrokerehabt#neurorehabn#ARNIstrokerehabt#stairsafterstrokefterstroke
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