Yoga Postures for Arm Weakness (Hemiparesis) Following a Stroke
Asana is one of the eight limbs of yoga and means “physical posture” or “pose.” Asana is one of the most common types of yoga in health care and research shows asana may improve strength, flexibility, and motor control in patients recovering from a stroke.
Following a stroke, most patients experience paresis, or weakness, in their upper or lower extremities, leading to significant limitations in motor control and activities of daily living (ADLs). Research indicates that engaging in yoga improves flexibility, strength, coordination and encourages neuromuscular reeducation, thereby leading to improved outcomes in motor function. Research suggests asana increases flexibility, balance, strength, and range of motion (Yang & Fahey, 2021).
The following poses encourage neuromuscular re-education, focusing on weight-bearing and weight-shifting to promote body awareness, reduce pain, improve posture, and increase upper extremity strength.
Seated cat cow
Benefits
Encourages tolerance to an upright position.
Stabilizes the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
Stretches the wrist flexors and elbow flexors.
Strengthens the core.
Encourages weight-bearing.
Functional carry over
A strong core supports various functional movements, such as reaching, bending, and lifting.
Contraindications
Individuals with an injury at the neck, shoulders, spine, hips, or who have undergone any recent abdominal surgery should avoid this pose.
Seated Forward Fold
Benefits
Encourages bimanual upper extremity range of motion and coordination.
Strengthens the hip flexors at the front of the body.
Functional carryover
Increased core stability increases ability to pick objects off the floor during chore participation.
Contraindications
Individuals should avoid this pose if they have a spinal injury or recent abdominal surgery.
Seated extended side angle
Facilitates proprioceptive input and weight bearing in affected upper extremity.
Strengthens the shoulder girdle, abdominal muscles, and hip flexors.
Child’s pose
Relives stress and tension in the back, shoulders and hips.
Increases strength in the upper extremity for carry over in functional reach tasks.