What are neurological conditions?
Any condition which affects the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. There are over 600 types of neurological conditions, which are broadly categorised into: Sudden onset conditions, Intermittent and unpredictable conditions, Progressive conditions, Stable neurological conditions. Sadly, it’s reported that people with neurological conditions have the lowest health-related quality of life of any long-term condition!
Nearly all neurological conditions have been shown to benefit from exercise! People with neurological conditions are recommended to work towards achieving the national physical activity guidelines (see previous blog – Every Move Counts), as much as their condition enables them to.
The type of exercise that shows the most benefit varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. There is good evidence to support strength and cardiovascular training in most neurological conditions. For flexibility training, there is poor evidence for spasm/contracture improvement, though stretching will improve range of motion around a joint temporarily/that day. Research recommends balance training and demonstrates that the benefit of balance training practice safely outweighs the risk of falling. Functional training type exercise e.g. sit to stand, backward chaining, getting up/down to floor are also recommended.
Here at YOUtherapies, we help people with neurological conditions live their best life through hands on therapy, specific individualised rehabilitation and exercise and advice. We assess and work with client’s individually and we run a neurological specific group class on Thursdays. Your exercise program is developed based on your individual needs in a fun and challenging way for YOU!
