Which activity should be avoided for at least three months after a stroke?

Which activity should be avoided for at least three months after a stroke?

• A. Light stretching
• B. Gentle range-of-motion work
• C. Impact-based activities
• D. Walking on flat terrain

Answer: (C)

In stroke rehabilitation, activities are progressed gradually to protect healing tissue and build safety and function. High-impact or sudden-load activities place large forces on the body and can challenge balance, coordination, and cardiovascular stability when those systems are still recovering. This combination raises the risk of falls, joint or bone injuries, and spikes in blood pressure that could stress cerebral vessels or provoke complications during the recovery period. Because of these risks, impact-based activities are typically avoided for several months after a stroke, with three months serving as a common conservative minimum before considering more dynamic exercises, and only then under supervision and medical clearance. Safe alternatives like light stretching and gentle range-of-motion work keep joints flexible without overloading recovering tissues, while walking on flat terrain provides a safe way to promote cardiovascular health and motor learning. These approaches support gradual, controlled gains in function without exposing the brain or body to high-impact stress.

In stroke rehabilitation, activities are progressed gradually to protect healing tissue and build safety and function. High-impact or sudden-load activities place large forces on the body and can challenge balance, coordination, and cardiovascular stability when those systems are still recovering. This combination raises the risk of falls, joint or bone injuries, and spikes in blood pressure that could stress cerebral vessels or provoke complications during the recovery period. Because of these risks, impact-based activities are typically avoided for several months after a stroke, with three months serving as a common conservative minimum before considering more dynamic exercises, and only then under supervision and medical clearance.

Safe alternatives like light stretching and gentle range-of-motion work keep joints flexible without overloading recovering tissues, while walking on flat terrain provides a safe way to promote cardiovascular health and motor learning. These approaches support gradual, controlled gains in function without exposing the brain or body to high-impact stress.