Return to running after a stroke

[@bryanb0016]

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC FOR ME BECAUSE BEFORE MY HEMORRHAGIC STROKE I WAS A RUNNER, AND A BOXER eventhough i'm still very very very far from running again, this topic is very important to me...THANK YOU DR. TOBIAS FOR BRINGING THIS TOPIC front and center!!!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching Bryan! I hope it helps.

[@hectorchan4623]

Hear hear!

[@bryanb0016]

@@hectorchan4623 yes sir!

[@bryanb0016]

@@rehabhqofficial GOD BLESS YOU DR. TOBIAS!!!

[@kimadelman6993]

Thank you so much!

[@J2Fresh247]

I'm not ready yet. I just ran across this video. I hope I'm ready at the end of next month.

[@BR9900-w5l]

As a runner before my stroke this is excellent. I am jogging on the spot then I try a small jog up my hallway while my physio watches. Lots of repetition. It's hard work.

[@tjharris6530]

This is one of my number 1 goals, because I was medically retired from the military due to my stroke and it's something Drs said I would not do again, because my personality has to prove those people wrong as well as using my left hand

[@rehabhqofficial]

Oh TJ, I LOVE it when someone tells me they have been told "you will never......" Can't wait for you to report when you are running again :)

[@bensturges7412]

Stick to your heart's desire. No one understands your situation better than you. I have been running 4 years now post-stroke. I can tell you it doesn't feel the same, but I still get to wear a big smile knowing I am doing it.

[@katewood4302]

Crikey I feel totally overwhelmed by this. I’ve got so much work to do

[@rehabhqofficial]

No! Don't be overwhelmed. Use this video to set small, reachable goals with these tests in mind for future goals :) You got this Kate! One day at a time

[@anandkoshti5130]

@@rehabhqofficial hey doctor I'm I'm hemiplegic patitent with surgery is it possible to recovery and walk normally

[@anthonydavis4829]

Perfect timing. I rode bike long distance and miss it dearly. Stroke victim. Again your good.

[@kimeaton202]

It would be nice to be able to run again (if needed). I'm still learning how to walk again with a cane. Next I will learn to walk unassisted again. Your videos are helpful .

[@rehabhqofficial]

Keep at it Kim!! This topic was a request from some people who are a little further along but remember, they all started where you are at 😊

[@dianefresca6896]

Bless you Kim. I use a cane and just starting to at least walk nit drag my leg. Small changes it's been a long while

[@rubmanriquez8522]

Keep going, I was like you and now I can walk. Not perfect but it's posible, now I need to run but i'm not ready yet, i'm doing gym 5 days weekly , strenght

[@bensturges7412]

Tough tests.... I've been running 4 years post-stroke and can do those things, but still not sure I can do 100% of time. As you stated, over-compensating and stressing/hurting body parts is big concern because you can't always feel it post-stroke. I did lots of walking and stationary bike riding before starting to run. I also got my physical therapist involved by having him jog behind me and doing a sight test, how did I look. My biggest challenge was pointing my toes correctly. you don't want to be doing visual check on that lest you fall on obstacle like surface change. After therapist told me about this, I had my son follow me for jogs occasionally to check on my repetition.

[@slokanath4943]

You are a miracle guy!

[@Roosterjello]

I had a stroke Jan 2022, left side of my body was numb, still is. I began walking as soon as I got out of the hospital, and still walk, jog every day. I can't run like I used to its much more of a challenge but I am running a half marathon in Yosemite this year. Keep going!!

[@68ice]

fantastic Doc, I'm anxious to return to marathons again. thanks for sharing this.

[@taniusreddix8424]

I can perform all of the activities except for one, and that is walking up and down stairs without holding onto rail, which has more to do with fear than ability.

[@Tkswervinn]

Same

[@jeffreyyoung9048]

I just had an acute stroke back on December 14th 2020 I'm doing well now my goal is now to get back to running I want to run again to play my sports and to move my body better in Fitness

[@dannettepoore-clark2137]

It was refreshing to see a video listing criteria to determine if someone may be ready to resume running after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. I still have issues walking. However, it feels good to dream & see what could be possible in a few years. Take care!😃

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Dannette! Yes, just make a mental note of these "abilities test" and set small goals to work toward mastering each one. This will keep you moving forward to better walking and hopefully running!

[@legendary8838]

Being able to run again is one of my biggest goals

[@elizabethgochua4909]

Dr Tobias, you hear my thoughts again! Hi, hi, hi. I’m not yet ready to run. But I will keep note of all these criteria. I willl focus on these one by one, master its movements, so I’ll be able to at least walk faster automatically and then run. Thank you Dr. Tobias for everything. Your videos give me hope as I watch and practice them daily.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Elizabeth! That is exactly how I want you all to use this video. Goals...... :)

[@insookjeon3195]

Thank you, thank you sooo much! I am glad that I found your channel. I look very fit but have some problem with right foot. I have been studying and practicing everyday at least 40-50min along with my other work out. I have been also practicing hip hinge as well! So many problems that PT didn’t understand and most of people don’t! They think I am super fit but I am so not! Thank you for the wonderful channel! I did PT at Stanford but didn’t help. Now I know what I need to do!!!

[@kelseyw.3315]

I have spastic paraplegia. Haven’t tried the tests yet, but I’m pretty sure I am veeery far from being ready to run, however now I’m more motivated than ever. I know what things I need to work towards in physical therapy and my HEP!

[@shanali9742]

Dr Tara you are great for inspiring the life of stroke patients God bless you Thanks lot

[@floripa5548]

Wow! I have been asking myself if Im ready to start running. I did all your test and I passed 🤩

[@fredkotthaus1518]

Good afternoon Dr Tobias, I so appreciate the information offered on this video. I am by no means ready to run however this'll give me directions to be able to get back into my deer stand and return to hunting thanks again 😊

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes Fred! "Deer stand climbing" not a "functional skill" that I think of down here in Florida but I will make a note for a future video :)

[@xbtheglobedenier2632]

Thanks for this video. Looking forward for more on this subject.

[@cameronrahmati5691]

Thanks so much for this video. Now i have set of goals to meet, you are the best. More illustrations during your videos would be greatly appreciated

[@andrewzanas9387]

Apologies. Re-written, hopefully for better clarity after seeing all the runners coming out in the comments today. I had no idea there were so many of us... Yes, Doctor T, I failed in most aspects of your minimum fitness prerequisites. I totally agreed with your assessment, Tara, but I could also see it was too much for me to expect to improve upon. I did try a less demanding approach in my early days. I was working on building stamina and doing ten miles a day on a regular recumbent trike (see Utah Trikes). I actually had tried running again more recently behind a baby jogger/trike. I used the trike to keep my balance both side-to-side and to stay erect. I had to add two 25 lb weights for ballast strapped onto the frame beneath "the baby" to hold down the front nose wheel. Organically It looked like the perfect design, but it needed a much larger counterweight than the aluminum frame would support to keep the front wheel on the ground. The trike's triangular shape had first attracted my attention. It literally was a baby carriage, and had a wide handle across the back and an even wider rear double wheel base to provide good lateral support while pushing it. It was great at a standstill, however it required too much weight to keep the single front wheel on the ground once I began moving. It felt like I was falling forward immediately. I reacted by squeezing the hand brakes, and the resultant braking action made it worse. The nose of the carriage lifted even higher off the ground and I was thrust forward and out over the rear wheels by sheer momentum. At that point I completely lost control. I was too tall @ 6 ft. and 175 lbs. A heavier trike with a cast iron frame might have worked better to provide me more of a sense of stability. The wide handle bar on the trike was good. It allowed me to use my arms, shoulders and back muscles to hold myself more upright while running. It made up for the strength I was lacking in the hips, legs, ankles and feet. It was a work in progress, but I had transitioned to apartment living and no longer had a garage and tools readily available to tinker. A few years later I stumbled upon a female jogger/stroke survivor who along with the help of a mechanical engineer had built a mobile aluminum cage to encapsulate her while she jogged around an oval 1/4 mile track accompanied by her husband, but her rig broke down in the lateral plane. She kept falling on her side, even on the straightaways. They never got around to doing hills. It was too large and cumbersome to safely take on the road.

[@SubiendoelK2]

I’m not ready to run yet but I’m focused on achieving everything you said and will get there for sure. Thanks for the video Dr!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes you will Emilio. Keep going!!

[@gutzbramah]

Thank you. Not quite ready to run I see, but these are good pointers to look at and exercise! Not giving up... :)

[@STR123able]

Very important and useful exercises even if you are not focused on running again. Doing these, even if they are "baby steps," can increase one's sense of well-being.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes Charles! I hope everyone can view this video from that lens :)

[@seanripperton5845]

I haven't been able to run for decades due to a knee meniscectomy in 1983. I had a total knee replacement 8 months ago and have been unable/unwilling to run. My goal is simply to be able to run across the street and around the softball bases. This video gives me direction and hope. I'll start today, and I'll plan on giving an update when I am - what? improving? running? Well, sometime in the not too distant future.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Love this topic! Such great tips!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks Elyse!!

[@naziyakhan4555]

Useful video. I will try all this

[@frannymoore]

If you can’t ever run again because of spasticity…. I FEEL like I’m running again on an elliptical… just saying. Hiking is still fun. Find something you can still enjoy and do that and don’t give up! Prove me wrong! I would be encouraged by that.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes Franny! I agree that the elliptical can give you that same feeling of running. Especially if you have spasticity. Thank you for sharing this tip!

[@jenpechan3467]

Love to say I’m ready. However, balance I can’t seem to fix

[@darkodarkovic7827]

Great selection of tests to get you started. I just need fitness, I would add. After all, you need a good source of creatine because ATP is depleted quickly. Have a nice week.

[@anjumafshan1297]

I want to run 🏃‍♀️. But am processing recovery. Hopefully to run in soon InshaAllah.

[@Zitahun]

Thank you so much for this video as well . I don’t know what I would have done without your videos. I am not ready to run yet, but I know what I will have to work on in order to get to that point. My dreams ( goals) are to be able to run again and ride a bike. Not to mention to be able to go back to my job asap.

[@nicolasst-laurent7746]

Thank you for this very useful video. Even if the goal isn't running, those tests are good to evaluate walking progress w/o any assisting tool. Which is my goal for now, but I would love to run again one day. ;-)

[@slokanath4943]

Thanks!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you so much for your generosity! I am glad you found this one helpful 😊

[@douglasreas9353]

Flight of stairs without using a handrail is the challenge (as well as walking backwards).

[@brene.p]

#wanttorun but not yet ready. Interesting insight into what is a good baseline to start from. Cheers

[@anjumafshan1297]

I want to run. Hope I will run again. Thanks dr for your help and support. Thank you again.

[@paureal9553]

Been wanting to hear this because pre stroke, i play basketball, i can now walk, ride a motorcycle, i can do 80% of what i used to pre stroke, except on running

[@paureal9553]

Its been 1 month since my stroke attack

[@maxking235]

Best channel on YT. Thanks!

[@jdcmendiola]

Fantastic excercises and tips to get back to running or jogging Dr Tobias! I had a Basal Ganglia Hemoragic Stroke may of 2021. As far as range of motion and structural form I can do but the only excercize I cannot do to this date is balance on my affected side for 10 seconds. My toes on my affected side can stretch to avoid the hammer toe syndrome but are bunched up together when I try to balance on one foot which doesn't give me a wide footprint when balancing. My pt said it's because of my Spasticity on my foot that's causing it to contract too much. Appreciate the tips you've shared though, great content 👏

[@revdocrandy]

Thanks for this video. It provided some further help with my question about how to measure progress in the last Live Q&A, which was very helpful! I’m not ready to run yet, but having these things to work on will give a way to measure progress. Thanks!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Great to see you this week Randy! You asked an excellent question during the live and as a result, you got a "sneak peak" of the content of this video. btw, these are all tests that we use to assess someones walking progress :)

[@kimadelman6993]

Thank for this video! I used to be a runner before I acquired spastic cerebellar ataxia . I am able to perform all the tests u have provided in your video and would love more information on how to get back to running. Thank you for your expertise! #ready to run

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yay Kim! I have a video planned to show some more advanced skills/“assessment tools”. Stay tuned!

[@kimadelman6993]

Thank you, thankyou !! I am so excited! U are so wonderful, I have gotten alot of tips from your videos!❤

[@kelnoel74]

Great steps along the way to jogging again. I would encourage those doing the step negotiation test (up & down) to watch leg alignment. In other words, if your knee collapses in toward the other, this could be a indicator of poor hip strength. Good luck all!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes! Great tip Kelly!

[@ghastxm2083]

I have spasticity with foot drop and my big main goal after my stroke is to be able to run and jump with ease. It’s hard because I can’t lift my ankle and stand on that leg specifically.

[@Chloeswalks]

I had a stroke in 2019 a Real bad one it's taken three years to just Get back to work now my daughter has told me she wants to do the London marathon for the stroke association next year and I am thinking off joining her at the last bit as a surprise and a thank you I can do all these things you put in this video just not the one foot in front off the other it's so annoying what can I do about it

[@jonwhisler6967]

when standing on one leg for 10 seconds does it matter which leg? affected leg or non-affected leg?

[@aaronoyster9627]

Dr. Tobias, I'd assume that if any of us wear an AFO, then running again is not an immediately attainable goal, because the best I can manage without compensating my balance is a brisk walk (not even jogging, much less running). Based on everything in this video, I'd conclude that what I've inferred is accurate enough .

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Aaron! This is excellent insight. I would say it is on a case by case basis. It depends why someone is wearing an AFO (Foot drop versus spasticity) I am a heavy proponent of bracing even if it is an active assist type of AFO. Again, it all depends on the person.

[@bensturges7412]

Stationary biking is good intermediate activity

[@sarahowanski6798]

Can you please do a video on exercises that would help you be ready to run? I’m not ready yet, but I really really want to be my main goal.

[@cameronrahmati5691]

This was the only subject that nobody was talking about in the KZbin I had my stroke in September. Have working on recovery full time I used to play Vollyball 10 hours per week, so my goal is to get back to playing (even if is limited) I meet most of your conditions but , it looks like I need to be able to jump with each leg to be able to run. What do you think. Thanks so much

[@rehabhqofficial]

Absolutely! Video coming soon on that. I would say the criteria I cover in this video is what I believe is the minimum requirement. Once you meet this criteria you can start actually working on running mechanics and movements specific to running. Video coming soon stay tuned!

[@agirlsinger]

#NotReadyToRun😄 I wish I were ready to run or even walk for that matter. But I am working toward it. I go to Christopher Ewing‘s Stroke group on Thursdays and I was looking forward to meeting you face-to-face but unfortunately I am no longer able to go. In the meantime I look forward to all of your videos!

[@cameronrahmati5691]

Never give up man

[@agirlsinger]

@@cameronrahmati5691 NEVER!

[@haneefrasheed2229]

#almost ready to run.can you make a video talking about how to get the arms involved in running in an effecient manner

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Haneef! Thanks for the suggestion! I will make sure to add this to the list 😊

[@seankelly8455]

@/readytorun Thanks Dr Tara, I’m very excited at the idea of returning to running, perfect timing for me seeing this advice; I’m going to establish which exercises I can manage, I think I’m good on 85% just not sure sure about up and down stairs without holding the rail … might need to work on that.

[@traciemolton9513]

I'm so glad to have found your video on this subject. I had two small strokes a few months ago, and have been back to running, but my pace has slowed quite a bit, and I tend to have spells a day or two after running when I start to fall over suddenly, but am able to stop the fall. Do you have any thoughts on this or tips for me?

[@douglasreas9353]

Super topic! I am not quite there yet, based on these criteria, but this gives me something to work towards and it is super encouraging. ( I have myelopathy relating to cervical compression C3-C4 and C5-C6. Both have been fused: C3-C4 in 2019; C5-C6 in 2020. I battle tightness in my legs / minor spasticity that last likes to "hit" me around 4:30 pm. Stretching has been biggest help and small dosage of Zanaflex 1/2 mg noon and evenings.) Exercise has tendency to trigger spasticity so I have stuck to stationary bike, not wanting to walk too far and be unable to get back. In warmer weather I walk around soccer field, so I don't have to worry about getting stuck with tight / frozen leg muscles. My dream is to get back to hiking, but I need to be able to trust leg muscles not to leave me stranded in the woods some place.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Douglas! Thank you for sharing your story. Sounds like you have learned your body and what is best for you :) Spasticity can be crazy annoying. Glad you have figured out what works for you. Keep going!!!

[@bensturges7412]

You're on the right track. You are absolutely correct to think safety first. My muscles get heavier and more numb in cold as well. I walk and run same courses so my wife knows about where I am. Also, I carry my phone with me with my emergency contact info in it.

[@jcreatiga1980]

What if you can do most except flexing the toes up when standing straight?

[@SA1YAN_ED1TS]

Mam pls speak exercise for pontine stroke.that d patient having rt side hemiparesis n lt side hemiplegia..its also give motivation to female therapists like me

[@its_toxic.22]

READY TO RUN.

[@suebillo3874]

Thanks so much # ready to run:)

[@ericmo2738]

Awesome, ready to run😁👍🏾

[@mommy2756]

I already can rUn. Glory to God! But it is still helpful. Thanķs #readytorun #alreadycanrun hope to see next step like how to improve running; e.g. running a straight line without running toward the stonger side. Thanks

[@rubmanriquez8522]

Thanks is what I was waiting for, Dr. Tobias, you should to do your programa in Spanish, if you know, I don't know, would be good because there are Just few programas like yours in Spanish, thanks, i'm not ready to run, almost. Bye.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yay Rub! Glad to know you were getting close. Keep it up!

[@princenoble8525]

I’m not ready yet but I will be soon

[@paintnamer6403]

Balancing on my left leg is one thing I have been working on. It's slow progress.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Keep at it! You will get there.

[@ElzbietaBlumczynska-bh8gd]

# ready to run!

[@glenwest1911]

Hello Dr. Tobias.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Glen! Great to see you this week :)

[@amberw1782]

It has been almost 17 years since my brain surgery. The left half of my cerebellum was removed which is where your balance is. Is there a possibility I could achieve these tasks even after this long and with that part of my brain removed?

[@jenpechan3467]

I’m with you. Brain tumor center skull, surgery left side in 2012. I’ve tried but can’t obtain balance. I can walk barefoot but need AFO the second a show is in play. I can lift foot up but spasticity leans right foot up. I’ve tried many thing over the year. Still trying to find the magic connection. So walking it is.

[@arjunshahu2245]

Thank you so much Dr. Tara Tobias for this compilation of exercises😊. I think it'll take more 4-5 months for me to accomplish this.

[@rehabhqofficial]

You got this Arjun!

[@meleahwhite8350]

I still can’t bend my knee while walking but I can bend it while sitting or lying flat. Any suggestions?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! Keep working at it. You go this!

[@ashadiwakardiya]

Thank you so.much maam love you

[@thefamilychannel615]

Hi mam how yoga vl help in spasticity, paralysis n etc.. can u explain..

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for the question! Yoga can be a valuable tool :)

[@lucagian9801]

#readytorun i can run only for 200 meters and i run only with forefoot strike. i run only in parks (no cars around) and only early in the morning (few people around). painfull tiring and sad.. but it is still running!

[@ishfady6724]

Hi I had stroke 5months ago. I would like to go back to my running. Please can you advice

[@ericohlson6669]

Ready to run

[@dancers1113]

Hey Dr. Tobias I can’t even jump let alone run!! What’s going on and when will I be able to jump and run?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Michelle! I hope you’re following on Instagram. I’ve done a lot of variations of jumping drills over there. But hang in there it’ll come. First you have to get the muscle to work second year to teach the muscle(s) To generate power

[@briana5442]

I was a runner as well, but unfortunately they told me I won’t be able to run again.

[@cameronrahmati5691]

Don’t listen to those nay sayers Keep working on it

[@calmstormambience1875]

I had an ischemic stroke from my left hand side couldn't walk, refuse to feel sorry for myself. I'm walking and running again, with a slurred speech. lol 👍

[@cameronrahmati5691]

When did you have your stroke

[@calmstormambience1875]

@@cameronrahmati5691 I had covid in December 2020. to be more specific I had a bilateral stroke, pneumonia kidney failure, paralyzed left hand side down, month in a coma, vegetable/ feeding tube and hospitalized for 2 1/2 months. Being a diabetic it was certain death, lucky to be here and it's no big deal. Just need to work on my speech

[@cameronrahmati5691]

Good spirit brother

[@dontran8578]

I love to run

[@Hartleymolly]

The toe to heel kills me!! I am 2 months post stroke, and almost 4 months postpartum, this is a living nightmare

[@areguapiri]

Positive thinking

[@joseburgos5106]

Super. Walking hard towards that...

[@rehabhqofficial]

Keep going Jose!

[@SultanMalikBarlas]

#Readytorun , i have CP and multiple Abcessus ,Quadriparasis Spacity , how can i walk normal pls Guide me 😔😔😔

[@AbdulKhan-uz6ud]

meanwhile i have been sprinting around letting momentum pick up my drop foot😅

[@Nad_e_e_m]

#not ready to run yet #almostclosetorun

[@payal2811]

How to start running if someone has hip pain because of weak glutes and multiple Sclerosis

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for the question! I would start by mastering the skills presented in this video :)

[@joshuayepthomi7586]

#ready to run

[@teresacollinsporterfield5488]

Hi Dr. Tobias. I thought I was ready to run but with your short quiz, there were several on your list that I can't complete just yet. For instance, climbing steps without a handrail. So I appreciate you doing this video so I know what areas that I need to work on before attempting to begin running. Thank you and have a great week.

[@lizalim3840]

I’m not a stroke survivor or have any brain injury. I run regularly on a threadmill at a high speed however I just can’t climb steps without a handrail because I’m scared of heights.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Teresa! Keep working. You WILL get there. Glad this video gives you some good "guidelines". :) Also, great to see you this week. 😊

[@rajraj-bm5jb]

#ready to 🏃‍♀️

[@handwashkashmir8266]

Want to talk with u .....it is urgent ...

[@jeromecruz1442]

#not ready to run.😮‍💨

[@keithscothern3398]

what about riding a bike

[@rehabhqofficial]

I encourage people to do whatever fitness activity they enjoy.

[@minutofgroundhog]

Run Forest run !

[@pitac8340]

#readytorun

[@jmanonmakes]

#ReadytoRun

[@amboyphshow]

#readytowalk

[@terikjackson3616]

#Readytorun

[@Jess-pg5pc]

#readytorun

[@GaneshYadav-xf6hn]

Youre the bestt thankyouu soo much for the best info...🥲

[@jorgecuevas2218]

#ready to run

[@jspires6599]

#ReadytoRun