I have a patient of post stroke currently he is not able to lift their left leg Suggest to me how I train how hemastring

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stroke lower limb strengthening exercise hemiparesis

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Clinical framing first

"Not able to lift the left leg" after stroke is usually not isolated hamstring weakness - it's more often a hip flexor / knee flexor swing-phase deficit, sometimes masked by an extensor synergy pattern (hip extension-adduction, knee extension, ankle plantarflexion) that many hemiparetic patients default into. Textbook correlation:
  • Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice and Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics both note that weak hip extensors/hamstrings force compensatory patterns (circumduction, hip hiking, or crouch gait) because the patient can't flex the knee/hip cleanly to clear the foot during swing.
  • Before you strengthen, check: (1) tone/spasticity (Modified Ashworth) in quadriceps/hip extensors that may be blocking voluntary hamstring activation, (2) manual muscle testing of hip flexors, hamstrings, and dorsiflexors separately, (3) whether the leg moves only in a mass synergy (all-or-nothing) or can move selectively.

Step-by-step hamstring/leg-lift training program

1. Facilitation stage (if voluntary activation is minimal/absent)
  • Passive-then-active-assisted knee flexion in sidelying or prone, guiding through range while cueing the patient to "help."
  • Quick stretch/tapping over hamstring belly followed by requesting active contraction (PNF-based facilitation).
  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to hamstrings, timed with the patient's active attempt, is well supported for augmenting voluntary activation in hemiparetic limbs.
  • Mental practice/mirror therapy for the leg-lift motion can prime cortical drive before physical practice.
2. Isolated strengthening (dissociate hip and knee)
  • Supine bridging: double-leg first, then progress to bridging with the unaffected leg lifted (forces the affected hip extensors/hamstrings to hold alone) - this is one of the best early exercises because it trains hip extension/hamstring co-contraction in a stable, gravity-assisted position.
  • Prone or sidelying active knee flexion ("heel to buttock") - start gravity-eliminated (sidelying), progress to against gravity (prone), then add resistance (ankle cuff weight or resistance band) once the patient can complete full range against gravity for 3x10.
  • Sitting active knee flexion against band resistance (seated hamstring curl with a resistance band anchored in front) - useful once some control is present, since it's easier to control than prone in early hemiparesis.
3. Break the extensor synergy / train hip-knee dissociation
  • In sitting, practice flexing the knee without also extending the hip (isolate hamstring from synergy).
  • "Marching" in sitting - alternating hip and knee flexion to lift the foot off the floor, which is the direct precursor to swing-phase leg lift in gait.
  • Step-ups/mini-squats on the unaffected leg with controlled eccentric lowering, which trains the posterior chain functionally.
4. Functional/gait integration
  • Treadmill training with body-weight support or overground stepping over low obstacles/targets to practice the actual "lift the leg" task - task-specific practice transfers better than isolated strengthening alone.
  • FES cycling or FES-assisted stepping if available.
  • If foot drop or poor swing clearance persists despite hamstring/hip flexor gains, an AFO is reasonable as an interim compensatory strategy while strength training continues.
5. Dosage/progression
  • Progressive resistance: start with body weight/gravity-eliminated positions, then gravity-resisted, then add external resistance (ankle weights, bands, or machine-based leg curls) as tolerated.
  • 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps, 3-5x/week is a reasonable strength-training frequency; adjust for fatigue and spasticity flare.

Evidence check

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (Pereira et al., Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, PMID 37883831) found lower-limb resistance training in chronic stroke improves muscle strength, gait speed, and other ICF-level outcomes, supporting progressive resistance work like the above as safe and effective rather than something to avoid for fear of increasing spasticity. This aligns with and updates the more compensatory/orthopedic framing in the older textbook material - current evidence favors active strengthening once spasticity is managed, not just bracing/compensation.
Bottom line: treat this as a hip-knee flexion synergy problem, not pure hamstring weakness. Start with facilitation and bridging, progress to isolated resisted hamstring curls, then integrate into task-specific stepping/gait practice. Screen for spasticity blocking voluntary flexion before loading with resistance.

Create a step-by-step rehab protocol document for post-stroke hamstring/leg-lift training

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mkdir -p /tmp/workspace/stroke-rehab-protocol && ls -la /tmp/workspace/

Writing File

~/stroke-rehab-protocol/build_doc.py

from docx import Document
from docx.shared import Pt, Inches, RGBColor
from docx.enum.text import WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH
from docx.enum.table import WD_TABLE_ALIGNMENT
from docx.oxml.ns import qn
from docx.oxml import OxmlElement

doc = Document()

# Default font
style = doc.styles["Normal"]
style.font.name = "Arial"
style.font.size = Pt(11)

DARK_BLUE = RGBColor(0x1F, 0x3A, 0x5F)
GREY = RGBColor(0x55, 0x55, 0x55)

def set_cell_shading(cell, color_hex):
    tcPr = cell._tc.get_or_add_tcPr()
    shd = OxmlElement('w:shd')
    shd.set(qn('w:val'), 'clear')
    shd.set(qn('w:color'), 'auto')
    shd.set(qn('w:fill'), color_hex)
    tcPr.append(shd)

def add_heading(text, level=1, color=DARK_BLUE):
    h = doc.add_heading(text, level=level)
    for run in h.runs:
        run.font.color.rgb = color
    return h

def add_bullets(items, bold_lead=False):
    for item in items:
        p = doc.add_paragraph(style="List Bullet")
        if isinstance(item, tuple):
            lead, rest = item
            r1 = p.add_run(lead)
            r1.bold = True
            p.add_run(rest)
        else:
            p.add_run(item)

def add_numbered(items):
    for item in items:
        p = doc.add_paragraph(style="List Number")
        if isinstance(item, tuple):
            lead, rest = item
            r1 = p.add_run(lead)
            r1.bold = True
            p.add_run(rest)
        else:
            p.add_run(item)

# ---------- TITLE PAGE ----------
title = doc.add_paragraph()
title.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
run = title.add_run("POST-STROKE HAMSTRING / LEG-LIFT")
run.bold = True
run.font.size = Pt(24)
run.font.color.rgb = DARK_BLUE

title2 = doc.add_paragraph()
title2.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
run2 = title2.add_run("REHABILITATION PROTOCOL")
run2.bold = True
run2.font.size = Pt(24)
run2.font.color.rgb = DARK_BLUE

sub = doc.add_paragraph()
sub.alignment = WD_ALIGN_PARAGRAPH.CENTER
r = sub.add_run("Progressive Hip-Knee Flexion / Swing-Phase Restoration Program for Hemiparetic Lower Limb")
r.italic = True
r.font.size = Pt(13)
r.font.color.rgb = GREY

doc.add_paragraph()

# Patient info table
info_table = doc.add_table(rows=4, cols=2)
info_table.style = "Light Grid Accent 1"
info_table.alignment = WD_TABLE_ALIGNMENT.CENTER
labels = ["Patient Name / ID:", "Date of Stroke / Onset:", "Affected Side:", "Date Protocol Initiated / Clinician:"]
for i, lab in enumerate(labels):
    info_table.cell(i, 0).text = lab
    for p in info_table.cell(i, 0).paragraphs:
        for r_ in p.runs:
            r_.bold = True
    info_table.cell(i, 1).text = ""

doc.add_page_break()

# ---------- PURPOSE / RATIONALE ----------
add_heading("1. Purpose and Clinical Rationale", level=1)
doc.add_paragraph(
    "This protocol addresses the common post-stroke presentation of an inability to actively lift/advance "
    "the affected leg during swing phase, most often driven by weak hip flexors and knee flexors "
    "(hamstrings), and/or by an extensor synergy pattern (hip extension-adduction, knee extension, ankle "
    "plantarflexion/inversion) that blocks selective hip-knee flexion. The goal is to restore selective "
    "voluntary hamstring/hip-flexor activation, build strength through graded resistance, and transfer that "
    "strength into a functional leg-lift/swing pattern during gait."
)
p = doc.add_paragraph()
p.add_run("Clinical note: ").bold = True
p.add_run(
    "\"Cannot lift the leg\" is rarely isolated hamstring weakness. It usually reflects a hip-knee flexion "
    "synergy deficit. Screen hip flexors, hamstrings, and ankle dorsiflexors separately before assuming the "
    "hamstring alone is the problem."
)

# ---------- STEP 0: ASSESSMENT ----------
add_heading("2. Baseline Assessment (Complete Before Starting)", level=1)
add_numbered([
    ("Muscle tone: ", "Modified Ashworth Scale for hip flexors, hip extensors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and plantarflexors. Spasticity in the quadriceps/hip extensors can block voluntary hamstring firing and must be identified first."),
    ("Manual muscle testing (MMT): ", "Grade hip flexors, hamstrings (knee flexion), quadriceps, and ankle dorsiflexors independently, in both gravity-eliminated and against-gravity positions."),
    ("Movement pattern: ", "Observe whether knee flexion occurs only as part of a mass synergy (hip flexion + knee flexion + dorsiflexion together, \"all-or-nothing\") or can be performed in isolation."),
    ("Functional baseline: ", "Video or note the gait pattern (circumduction, hip hiking, foot drag, crouch) and time a short walk (e.g., 10-Metre Walk Test) for later comparison."),
    ("Sensation and cognition: ", "Confirm the patient can follow verbal/visual cues needed for facilitation techniques; screen for neglect on the affected side."),
    ("Medical clearance: ", "Confirm cardiovascular stability and orthopedic clearance (no DVT, no unhealed fracture) for resistance training."),
])

doc.add_paragraph()
warn = doc.add_paragraph()
warn.add_run("Do not proceed to Phase 2 strengthening if spasticity (Ashworth >= 2) in the antagonist muscle group is blocking active motion — treat spasticity first (positioning, prolonged stretch, serial casting, or consider referral for focal spasticity management) before loading resistance.").italic = True

# ---------- PHASE 1 ----------
add_heading("3. Phase 1 — Facilitation (Minimal / Absent Voluntary Activation)", level=1)
p = doc.add_paragraph()
p.add_run("Goal: ").bold = True
p.add_run("Elicit any trace of voluntary hamstring/knee-flexion activity. Duration: until patient achieves MMT grade 2/5 (gravity-eliminated active range).")
add_bullets([
    ("Passive-to-active-assisted knee flexion — ", "sidelying or prone, therapist guides through range while cueing the patient to actively \"help\" at the end of range."),
    ("Quick stretch / tapping over hamstring belly — ", "followed immediately by a request for active contraction (proprioceptive facilitation)."),
    ("Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) — ", "applied to hamstrings, time-locked to the patient's active attempt, to boost voluntary drive. Typical parameters: 30-50 Hz, on:off cycle 10s:20-50s, 15-20 min/session."),
    ("Mental practice / mirror therapy — ", "rehearse the leg-lift motion visually/mentally before physical attempts to prime motor cortex drive."),
    ("Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling — ", "if available, for repetitive patterned activation of hip/knee flexors and hamstrings."),
])

# ---------- PHASE 2 ----------
add_heading("4. Phase 2 — Isolated Strengthening (Dissociate Hip and Knee)", level=1)
p = doc.add_paragraph()
p.add_run("Goal: ").bold = True
p.add_run("Build strength in hamstrings/hip extensors while breaking the extensor synergy. Progress when patient reaches MMT grade 3/5 (full active range against gravity).")

t = doc.add_table(rows=1, cols=4)
t.style = "Light Grid Accent 1"
hdr = t.rows[0].cells
headers = ["Exercise", "Position / Set-up", "Progression", "Dosage"]
for i, h in enumerate(headers):
    hdr[i].text = h
    set_cell_shading(hdr[i], "1F3A5F")
    for p_ in hdr[i].paragraphs:
        for r_ in p_.runs:
            r_.font.color.rgb = RGBColor(0xFF,0xFF,0xFF)
            r_.bold = True

rows_data = [
    ["Bridging (double-leg)", "Supine, knees bent, both feet flat", "Progress to single-leg bridge (unaffected leg lifted, affected leg holds bridge alone)", "3 x 10, hold 3-5s"],
    ["Sidelying active knee flexion", "Sidelying, affected leg on top, gravity-eliminated", "Add light ankle cuff weight once full range achieved x 10 reps", "3 x 10"],
    ["Prone active knee flexion (\"heel to buttock\")", "Prone, pillow under pelvis if needed for comfort", "Add resistance band or ankle weight once full range against gravity is smooth", "3 x 10-12"],
    ["Seated resistive hamstring curl", "Sitting, resistance band anchored in front of the ankle", "Increase band tension progressively; add hold at end range", "3 x 10-12"],
    ["Isolated hip-knee dissociation drill", "Sitting, flex knee while consciously keeping hip still (no hip flexion)", "Progress to standing with support, same isolated knee flexion", "3 x 8-10, focus on quality not speed"],
]
for row in rows_data:
    cells = t.add_row().cells
    for i, val in enumerate(row):
        cells[i].text = val

doc.add_paragraph()

# ---------- PHASE 3 ----------
add_heading("5. Phase 3 — Synergy Breaking and Functional Patterning", level=1)
p = doc.add_paragraph()
p.add_run("Goal: ").bold = True
p.add_run("Translate isolated hamstring/hip-flexor strength into the combined hip-knee flexion needed to clear the foot during swing.")
add_bullets([
    ("Seated marching — ", "alternate active hip and knee flexion to lift the foot off the floor without hip hiking or trunk lean."),
    ("Standing mini step/march with support — ", "practice lifting the affected foot to clear a low target (foam block, line on floor) while holding a rail or with therapist assist."),
    ("Step-ups on the unaffected leg with controlled eccentric lowering of the affected leg — ", "trains posterior chain control functionally."),
    ("Mini-squats — ", "bilateral, progressing to more weight-bearing through the affected leg as tolerated."),
    ("PNF rhythmic initiation / resisted active movement — ", "therapist-guided repetitions pairing hip and knee flexion in a controlled, non-synergistic pattern."),
])

# ---------- PHASE 4 ----------
add_heading("6. Phase 4 — Gait and Task-Specific Integration", level=1)
p = doc.add_paragraph()
p.add_run("Goal: ").bold = True
p.add_run("Carry the improved leg-lift/swing capacity into functional walking.")
add_bullets([
    ("Treadmill training with body-weight support (if available) — ", "practice repetitive swing-phase limb advancement in a supported, safe environment."),
    ("Overground obstacle/target stepping — ", "step over low objects or onto floor targets to reinforce active foot clearance."),
    ("FES-assisted gait training — ", "stimulate hamstrings/dorsiflexors timed to the gait cycle if equipment is available."),
    ("Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) — ", "use as an interim compensatory aid for foot clearance/drop if swing-phase deficits persist, while strength training continues in parallel — this is a bridge, not a replacement for active training."),
    ("Community/functional practice — ", "stairs, uneven surfaces, dual-task walking once basic swing control is reliable."),
])

# ---------- DOSAGE / PROGRESSION SUMMARY ----------
add_heading("7. General Dosage and Progression Rules", level=1)
add_bullets([
    ("Frequency: ", "3-5 sessions/week for strengthening; daily practice for facilitation and task-specific drills as tolerated."),
    ("Sets/reps: ", "2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions per exercise, progressing load/resistance before progressing repetitions."),
    ("Progression trigger: ", "advance to the next exercise or add resistance only when the current exercise can be performed through full available range, against gravity, for the full set, without compensatory hip hiking, trunk lean, or circumduction."),
    ("Regression trigger: ", "reduce resistance/position demand if spasticity increases, pattern reverts to mass synergy, or fatigue causes loss of quality."),
    ("Reassessment: ", "repeat MMT, Ashworth, and gait/timed-walk measures every 2-4 weeks to track progress and adjust the program."),
])

# ---------- PRECAUTIONS ----------
add_heading("8. Precautions and Safety", level=1)
add_bullets([
    "Screen for spasticity blocking voluntary flexion before adding resistance; treat spasticity first if present.",
    "Monitor cardiovascular response (heart rate, blood pressure, fatigue) during resistance training sessions.",
    "Ensure adequate trunk/pelvic support in sitting and standing exercises to prevent compensatory substitution.",
    "Use gait belt and appropriate supervision for all standing and stepping activities given fall risk.",
    "Discontinue or modify an exercise immediately if it triggers pain, clonus, or a significant increase in tone.",
]) 

# ---------- EVIDENCE BASE ----------
add_heading("9. Evidence Base", level=1)
doc.add_paragraph(
    "Progressive lower-limb resistance training in chronic stroke has been shown in a 2023 systematic review "
    "and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to improve muscle strength, gait speed, and other "
    "ICF-level outcomes (Pereira TA, et al. Effect of lower limb resistance training on ICF components in "
    "chronic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2023. PMID: 37883831). "
    "This supports active, progressive strengthening — rather than compensation/bracing alone — as a core "
    "component of leg-lift/swing-phase rehabilitation once spasticity is adequately managed."
)
doc.add_paragraph(
    "Textbook correlation: weak hip extensors/hamstrings and disrupted hip-knee dissociation are recognized "
    "drivers of compensatory gait patterns (circumduction, hip hiking, crouch gait) in hemiparetic and spastic "
    "gait — Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice; Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 15th Ed."
)

# ---------- SIGN OFF ----------
add_heading("10. Clinician Sign-off", level=1)
sign_table = doc.add_table(rows=3, cols=2)
sign_table.style = "Light Grid Accent 1"
sign_labels = ["Treating Clinician (Name/Signature):", "Date:", "Next Review Date:"]
for i, lab in enumerate(sign_labels):
    sign_table.cell(i,0).text = lab
    for p_ in sign_table.cell(i,0).paragraphs:
        for r_ in p_.runs:
            r_.bold = True
    sign_table.cell(i,1).text = ""

doc.save("/tmp/workspace/stroke-rehab-protocol/Post_Stroke_Hamstring_Leg_Lift_Protocol.docx")
print("Saved.")
Running Command

cd /tmp/workspace/stroke-rehab-protocol && python3 build_doc.py

Running Command

ls -la /tmp/workspace/stroke-rehab-protocol/

Document created successfully.

Post Stroke Hamstring Leg Lift Protocol

Word Document · DOCX

Contents of the protocol:
  1. Purpose/Rationale - clarifies this is a hip-knee flexion synergy deficit, not isolated hamstring weakness
  2. Baseline Assessment - tone (Modified Ashworth), MMT, movement pattern (synergy vs. isolated), gait baseline, cognition/sensation, medical clearance
  3. Phase 1 - Facilitation - for minimal/absent activation: guided active-assisted motion, tapping/quick stretch, NMES, mirror therapy, FES cycling
  4. Phase 2 - Isolated Strengthening - table of 5 exercises (bridging progression, sidelying/prone knee flexion, seated resisted curls, hip-knee dissociation drills) with set-up, progression criteria, and dosage
  5. Phase 3 - Synergy Breaking/Functional Patterning - seated marching, standing mini-steps, step-ups, mini-squats, PNF techniques
  6. Phase 4 - Gait Integration - treadmill/BWS training, obstacle stepping, FES-assisted gait, AFO as bridge (not replacement), community practice
  7. Dosage/Progression rules - frequency, sets/reps, clear advance/regress triggers, reassessment interval
  8. Precautions - spasticity screening, cardiovascular monitoring, fall risk, stop criteria
  9. Evidence base - cites the 2023 systematic review/meta-analysis (Pereira et al., PMID 37883831) supporting progressive resistance training in chronic stroke, plus textbook correlation on synergy-driven gait deviations
  10. Clinician sign-off table with patient info fields on the title page
It's formatted with headers, a title page with patient/date fields, color-coded tables, and a sign-off section so it's ready to print or adapt into your clinic's chart. Let me know if you want it tailored further (e.g., a caregiver home-exercise handout version, or added outcome-measure tracking sheets like Fugl-Meyer or Berg Balance).

Suggest top 5 exercise

Top 5 exercises for post-stroke hamstring/leg-lift training, in order of practical priority:
  1. Bridging progression (double-leg → single-leg) - Supine, knees bent, both feet flat; lift hips off the bed. Progress by lifting the unaffected leg so the affected hip extensors/hamstrings hold the bridge alone. Best starting exercise because it's gravity-assisted and trains hip extension/hamstring co-contraction safely. 3 x 10, hold 3-5s.
  2. Prone or sidelying active knee flexion ("heel to buttock") - Sidelying (gravity-eliminated) if activation is weak, progressing to prone (against gravity) as strength improves. This is the most direct hamstring-isolation exercise. Add ankle cuff weight once full range is smooth. 3 x 10-12.
  3. Seated resistive hamstring curl - Sitting, resistance band anchored in front of the ankle, curl heel back and down. Easier to control than prone positions in early hemiparesis and easy to progress by increasing band tension. 3 x 10-12.
  4. Seated marching (hip-knee dissociation drill) - Alternate lifting the foot off the floor using combined hip and knee flexion without hip hiking or trunk lean. This is the direct bridge between isolated hamstring strength and the actual leg-lift/swing pattern needed for walking. 3 x 8-10, focus on quality over speed.
  5. Standing mini step/march with support - Holding a rail or with therapist assist, lift the affected foot to clear a low target (foam block or floor line). This is the functional, task-specific drill that transfers strength gains into real gait clearance - the end goal of the whole program.
Sequencing rule: progress from #1-3 (strength/isolation) only once the patient can do them through full range against gravity without spasticity flare or synergy substitution, then move to #4-5 (functional integration). Don't skip straight to standing drills if seated/supine control is still poor - that just reinforces compensatory hip hiking or circumduction.

Search for recent clinical guidelines on post-stroke lower-limb rehabilitation

Searching PubMed

"stroke rehabilitation" AND "lower extremity"

Searching the Web

2024 2025 clinical guideline post-stroke lower limb rehabilitation gait strengthening

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"stroke rehabilitation" AND guideline

Reading Article

PMID: 40401760

Reading Article

PMID: 41257457

Reading Article

PMID: 38519084

Reading Article

PMID: 40262822

Searching the Web

NICE stroke rehabilitation guideline lower limb strengthening exercise recommendation 2023

Recent Clinical Guidelines on Post-Stroke Lower-Limb Rehabilitation

1. European Stroke Organisation (ESO) Guideline on Motor Rehabilitation (2025)

The most current, GRADE-based guideline specifically for motor/gait recovery.
  • High-intensity gait training: strong recommendation (moderate-quality evidence) to improve walking endurance in people with chronic stroke and stable cardiovascular status; weak recommendation for improving walking speed.
  • Dose of walking practice: expert consensus suggests an additional minimum of 20 hours of walking practice to benefit walking capacity (parallel to the 20-hour minimum dose recommended for upper-limb practice).
  • Sit-to-stand training: weak recommendation (moderate-quality evidence) for adding sit-to-stand training to improve balance - directly relevant since sit-to-stand recruits hip/knee extensors and complements hamstring/hip-flexor work.
  • Group vs individual therapy: weak recommendation that task-specific group-based therapy is non-inferior to individual therapy for balance, gait speed, and walking endurance - useful for resource planning.
(Alt Murphy M, et al. European Stroke Journal, 2025. PMID: 40401760)

2. NICE Guideline NG236 - Stroke Rehabilitation in Adults (updated October 2023, summarized in BMJ 2024)

UK national guidance, most granular on specific lower-limb interventions:
  • Intensity: total daily rehabilitation therapy target increased from 40 minutes to 3 hours/day where tolerated - a major shift from earlier guidance.
  • Strength training: should be considered for people after stroke, using resistance training, bodyweight activities, or weights - directly supports the progressive resistance approach in your protocol (bridging, resisted hamstring curls, etc.).
  • FES/NMES for foot drop: continues to be recommended per NICE's interventional procedures guidance for drop foot of central neurological origin - complements NMES facilitation in Phase 1 of your protocol.
  • Mirror therapy for lower limb: consider as an adjunct for muscle weakness; if used, sessions ~30 min, at least 5x/week for 4 weeks, supervised initially.
  • Electromechanical/robot-assisted gait training and group circuit training (with peer support and fall-prevention education) are both recommended options for walking therapy.
  • Trunk weakness: physiotherapy specifically indicated when trunk weakness is present, since trunk control underlies proximal hip/knee control needed for leg-lift.
(Tang E, et al. BMJ 2024. PMID: 38519084; NICE NG236, nice.org.uk/guidance/ng236)

3. Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations, 7th Edition Update, Part Two (2025/2026)

Broad, people-centered recommendations covering lower-extremity rehab, mobility, spasticity, and fall risk within an integrated care-continuum framework, developed with stroke survivor input. Useful as an overarching system-of-care reference alongside the ESO/NICE exercise-specific guidance.
(Salbach NM, et al. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2025. PMID: 41257457)

4. Brazilian Early Stroke Rehabilitation Task Force - Acute Hospital Physiotherapy Protocol (2025)

Expert consensus protocol focused on the acute/hospital phase: assessment strategies, safety criteria for mobilization, positioning, task-oriented training, and discharge planning. Relevant if your patient is still in the acute inpatient stage rather than outpatient/chronic phase.
(Maso I, et al. Arq Neuropsiquiatr, 2025. PMID: 40262822)

How this updates your protocol

  • Increase overall dosing intent: NICE's shift to a 3-hour/day therapy target and ESO's 20-hour minimum dose for walking practice suggest your protocol's exercises should be delivered at higher frequency/volume than a "few sets a few times a week" if the care setting allows.
  • High-intensity gait training in stable chronic-stroke patients now has a strong recommendation - once your Phase 4 gait integration begins, push training intensity (heart-rate or perceived-exertion based) rather than just distance/repetition, provided cardiovascular status is stable.
  • Sit-to-stand training is now specifically evidence-backed for balance - worth adding explicitly alongside your bridging/mini-squat exercises.
  • FES for foot drop remains guideline-endorsed, reinforcing the NMES/FES elements already in your Phase 1 and Phase 4.
No results directly contradict the exercise sequence built into your protocol (facilitation to isolated strengthening to synergy-breaking to gait integration) - the 2025 guidelines mainly refine dosing/intensity parameters and add sit-to-stand and high-intensity gait training as specifically endorsed adjuncts.

How to train hemastring when grade 2

MMT Grade 2/5 = the patient can move the knee through full range actively, but only when gravity is eliminated (cannot lift against gravity yet). Training at this grade focuses on gravity-eliminated active movement, with facilitation to help the muscle move toward Grade 3.

Positioning - eliminate gravity's resistance

  • Sidelying, affected leg supported on a powder board / smooth surface (or therapist's hands) so the limb glides horizontally rather than lifting up. This is the classic gravity-eliminated position for hamstring (knee flexion).
  • Alternative: supine with leg supported in a sling or on a therapist's forearm, so the patient only has to slide the heel toward the buttock horizontally, not lift it.

Exercise progression at Grade 2

  1. Active-assisted knee flexion in sidelying - therapist/caregiver guides the heel toward the buttock through full range, gradually reducing assistance as the patient contributes more. Cue: "pull your heel toward your bottom."
  2. Active gravity-eliminated knee flexion (unassisted) - once the patient can initiate the motion, let them complete the full slide independently, sidelying, no assistance, no resistance. This is the true Grade 2 test/training movement - full range, gravity eliminated, no help, no resistance.
  3. Add facilitation techniques to boost recruitment while still gravity-eliminated:
    • Quick stretch/tap over the hamstring belly just before asking for the contraction.
    • Rhythmic initiation (PNF) - therapist passively moves the limb through the pattern several times, then gradually withdraws assistance while the patient tries to continue the motion actively.
    • NMES/FES timed to the patient's attempt (stimulate just as they try to contract) - this is very effective at Grade 2 to "wake up" the muscle and bridge toward active control.
    • Mirror therapy or watching the unaffected leg perform the same motion while attempting it on the affected side (visual/mental facilitation).
  4. Repetition-heavy, low-fatigue dosing - at this stage volume matters more than resistance: aim for 15-20 reps per set, 3-4 sets, multiple times/day if tolerated, since the goal is motor re-education, not strength overload.

Criterion to progress to Grade 3 (against gravity)

Once the patient can perform the full gravity-eliminated motion smoothly, consistently, and without needing tactile/verbal facilitation for several sessions, test the same motion prone (against gravity, no resistance). If they can complete full range against gravity even a few times, they've reached Grade 3 - move to Phase 2 of the earlier protocol (prone heel-to-buttock against gravity, progressing to resistance bands/ankle weights).

Watch for during Grade 2 training

  • Substitution patterns: hip flexion/hiking or trunk rotation compensating for the missing knee flexion - stop and reposition if you see this, since practicing the substitution reinforces the wrong pattern.
  • Spasticity in the quadriceps blocking hamstring activation - if the knee resists being flexed passively or tone is increased (Modified Ashworth ≥2), address that with prolonged stretch/positioning before continuing active facilitation.
  • Fatigue - Grade 2 muscles fatigue fast; keep sessions short and frequent rather than long and exhausting.
This slots in as the core of Phase 1 (Facilitation) from the earlier protocol - once the patient consistently hits Grade 3, transition into Phase 2 (Isolated Strengthening) with prone active knee flexion and progressive resistance.
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